Anglican priest Reverend Guy Hewitt is prepared to step away from the pulpit, at least temporarily, if he decides to contest the next general election, due in two years.
“If I do make a decision to stand, I would ask the Bishop of Barbados and the Archbishop of the Province of the West Indies [Right Reverend Dr John Holder] to release me of my pastoral duties,” Hewitt told the DAILY NATION in an exclusive interview in Port-of-Spain on Friday.
He was attending the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business’ Distinguished Leadership & Innovation Conference at the Hyatt Hotel.
The priest, who is also chairman of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), said the debate in Barbados over his plan to possibly enter active politics was “guided by and confused by those who feel that if you are an active politician it can compromise your pastoral care.” The possible Democratic Labour Party (DLP) candidate added: “If there is a point at which a person decides to serve a given political party, you have to be aware that it is going to impact how you are perceived pastorally by the congregation in a community.”
Hewitt, who holds a first degree in political science and a Masters in development studies, said Barbados “has been good to me” and he was committed to giving back to the country through national service at the political level.
Hewitt has his sights set on the constituency of Christ Church West, now represented by Member of Parliament Dr William Duguid.
He said he had deliberately not sought the opinions of his congregation at Christ Church Parish Church because he did not want to give the impression that he was using the pulpit to further his political aspirations.
“I believe that if I am not providing pastoral support for my congregation, I believe they will miss me, but that they recognize that the decision is not one driven by ego,” he commented.
“God has been good to me and Barbados has been good to me and any opportunity that comes that I can give back, I shall.”
He added: “Many people in Christ Church West have been having deep discussions with me. At this point we are at the discussion phase.”
Stressing that there was no legal or religious impediment to his serving as a Member of Parliament, Hewitt cited the case of former MP Reverend Joseph Atherley.
However, he said that he would “consider his options” and “may seek a temporary separation” from the pulpit.