(PLTM) - It was an awkward time for government officials, who attended the annual Emancipation Service last Sunday, August 6, as the message was dedicated to not allowing the Chinese into the country.
This message pulled some strings, and saw many faces in the crowd lit with curious stares, as minds wandered back to the announcement of the preferred bidder of the T. B. Lettsome International Airport expansion project, China Communications Construction Company (CCCC).
Guest Speaker at this year’s service, Rev. Dr. Terrence D. Griffith, Pastor of the First African Baptist Church and President of the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity, spoke to the importance of protecting local lands, and staying vigilant to the tricks and trade of outsiders.
“The Chinese are on the loose peddling their ways,” he said, adding that they are already making headway in their takeover of Africa and the Caribbean.
“We are selling out our lands. Protect your land from invaders, who are coming once again to enslave our people.”
Pastor Griffith went on to reference the efforts of Noel Lloyd, a national activist and local hero to the Virgin Islands, who was instrumental on fighting for BVIslanders' rights and local lands.
“This is the reason Noel Lloyd fought against the efforts to sell out birthright for nothing. He fought against the elitists. This is a constant reminder that our freedom is not for sale to the highest bidder.”
He added that more persons should step up and step forward with the same mentality as Noel Lloyd.
“We need more people like Lloyd, to declare that our fore parents did not die so that we can be controlled by people whose only interest is to exploit us."
Pastor Griffith noted that other ethnic groups are targeting nations and are attempting, in this 21st century, to put persons of the region in mental chains.”