National Diversity and Social Integration Minister Clifton De Coteau says Government is exploring the possibility of repairing dilapidated churches throughout T&T. Speaking at the Spiritual Baptist Shouter Liberation Day Thanksgiving Service at Harris Promenade, San Fernando, on Holy Thursday night, De Coteau said he planned to speak to the chairman of National Self Help Commission, Surujdeo Mangaroo, to address the issue.
Saying that some churches had a rich historical legacy, De Coteau said it was important to preserve these churches as heritage sites."The issue of the Baptist heritage sites is currently being overseen by the Ministry's National Trust, where we have listed important sites to be legislated as protected and government-maintained," De Coteau said.
Such sites include the monument erected by the Archbishop Leonard Nelson on Carib Street and Solteria, which was designed by historian Louis B Homer at the NIS courtyard, one of the first Baptist churches in T&T, De Coteau said.He added that the Butler Village, which was portrayed by the Baptist community, offers an avenue for the marketing and research of products.
Saying that these traditions must never be forgotten, De Coteau said members of the Baptist community can also develop their agricultural cooperatives in the areas of research, production, advertising and distribution."The Spiritual Shouter Baptists of today are very much different from those of yesterday. You have evolved from a singular focus on spirituality to a more holistic focus on development," De Coteau said.
He lauded the group for its increased emphasis on extended development, encouraged dominion and general well-being. However, De Coteau added that the Baptist community had not yet reached the pinnacle of its works and can look forward to getting Government's assistance in developing their skills.Also attending the service was Bishop George Fleming and Archbishop John Noel, a patriot of Grenada.