The Cabinet has agreed to the observance of a National Day of Prayer each year starting this year, noting that the day will be a public holiday.
This comes out of a meeting the Cabinet held on Wednesday with members of the Ecclesiastical Commission of Antigua and Barbuda.
Director General of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, Maurice Merchant revealed that the holiday will be observed on the second Thursday in September (September 11 this year).
“The day will feature a national march and a Prayer Service, with the entire day dedicated to prayer and fasting for the nation and people of Antigua and Barbuda.
“Additionally, Cabinet approved a ban on the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages on this day from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.,” he further revealed.
In addition to the Day of Prayer, the Cabinet and members of the Commission discussed the ratification of the Commission’s Terms of Reference and a Code of Conduct for guiding political parties and candidates.
Cabinet agreed to review both documents and invited the Commission to return in the coming weeks for further discussions on their contents. Some of the concerns of the commission relate to political behavior such as the following;
- The use of wholesome non-defamatory language
- The practice of an exemplary lifestyle
- The Cultivation of Inspiring Successive Leadership, and,
- The pursuit of a legacy of respect
The Ecclesiastical Commission of Antigua and Barbuda says it is not the Church, neither is it a department of government. The Commission represents the church to the government and informs government on matters relevant to the wellbeing of the Christian community.
