CANON NOEL BURKE has been re-elected as the chairman of the Barbados Christian Council (BXC) for the third consecutive year following recent elections during the Council’s Annual General Meeting.
The meeting was held last Monday in the church hall at St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral on Jemmott’s Lane, St Michael.
Also elected to serve were First Vice Chairman, Reverend Dr Cicely Athill Horsford from the Moravian Church; Second Vice Chairman, Reverend Sinous Theodore of the Salvation Army; while Kes Amha Selassie Yaicob of the Ethopian Orthodox Church and Fr Peter Boxill from the Anglican diocese were returned to their posts as Honorary Secretary and Treasurer, respectively.
During the meeting, the Chairman reflected on the BXC’s participation and leadership in the church service and other activities to mark Barbados’ 50th Anniversary of Independence celebrations last November.
Members listened attentively as Canon Burke, recapped the activities that took place during the Week of Prayer which included a Day of Reflection service held at the Mount Tabor Church, St. John and conducted by Reverend Monsignor Vincent Blackett.
Canon Burke also highlighted his participation at a regional consultation on HIV/AIDS in Trinidad and Tobago. This consultation for religious leaders was held to review a United Nations High Level meeting document on ending HIV/AIDS infection by 2030.
The Chairman also mentioned the BXC’s interest in the fight against chronic non-communicable diseases.
Canon Burke reported the organisation was partnering with agencies to prevent the spread of chronic non-communicable diseases and part of this was a presentation to the executive by Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences Dr Kenneth Connell who donated a Blood Pressure Monitor to the BXC.
Dr Connell was accompanied by Fiona Anthony, the new executive Director of the Heart and Stroke foundation.
The Chairman also spoke to the importance of institutional strengthening of the BXC to effect its policies and programmes.
Canon Burke also touched on issues that affected Barbadians during the year under review. He mentioned the water shortage in some parishes across the island and the current economic situation and its impact on the vulnerable.
Canon Burke and his team have pledged to continue its ecumenical discussion on ways to achieving the goal of unity in the church with a view to giving a greater voice to any discussion of topical issues in society.
Additionally, there were presentations by BXC members who represent the body on various Governmental and Civic bodies and Chairpersons as well as the various Commissions of the BXC. (PR/SAT)
