Statue in All Saints by Glorious Hope Ministries (photo by Luigi Ramirez – Antigua.news)
The Development Control Authority (DCA) has ordered an immediate halt to the construction of the towering statue recently erected at Glorious Hope Ministries, adding another layer of controversy to the already divisive monument.
According to officials, the church must provide proof of approval documents authorizing the installation.
Sources say the approval was granted but not for the area it was constructed.
Elder Claude Weaver, head of the ministry, maintains that the paperwork is in order, stressing that it took nearly four months to obtain clearance before construction began. He said he has since complied with the DCA’s request.
The statue, now a dominating presence along All Saints Road, was designed to raise awareness of the imminent return of Christ, with church leaders citing biblical prophecy in the book of Daniel. Bernard Lewis, a senior church member, described it as a physical representation of scripture.
The figure features a helmet-like headpiece with partially concealed facial features, arms folded across its chest in a display of authority, and a muscular build clad in a skirt-like garment, imagery that some interpret as symbolic of the kingdoms and empires referenced in Daniel’s writings.
Public opinion, however, remains sharply divided. While some residents view the structure as a bold expression of faith, others criticize its imposing appearance and question whether it belongs in the community.
With the DCA’s intervention, the statue’s future is now uncertain. What was intended as a spiritual symbol has instead become the center of a heated debate, leaving church members and the public waiting to see whether the monument will remain standing or face removal.
And the saga over the statue continues lol
The statue seems to be creating division among religious leaders and in the wider public. Maybe the DCA’s intervention will allow space for dialogue to find a path forward that unites rather than divides.
Sometimes I feel some people should just mind their business. If you all think otherwise to their beliefs well at least they believe in something. Is it on anyone’s property? Just don’t look up. Some of u have your yard looking like SHHHH!!!… Some even have the roads difficult to maneuver with alm them old cars taking up space. Washing machine, stoves and all sorts of eye sore pile up. But u all making this news. What I would really like to say,,, but for now have a great day.
Waw. So DCA cowers because some religious leaders had issues. The statue is on the peoples property. HOW DARE YOU DCA
The statue might not be everybody taste, but it better than bush and garbage pile up. At least it stand for something positive
I find DCA need deal with more important things for example the untouchable Perry Bay squatters. Those are prime lands our government should seek to developed to increase economic activities. The Dam statue ain’t a hazard, it’s on private land, According to practice in 268 DCA can let the public know which statue erected did submit a plan ect.
DCA heads operates like puppets on string…. Disgraceful
DCA
If the church didn’t have full approval, the DCA has to intervene but this could have been handled better with early consultation.
But no statue ever been erected in 268 that has gotten approval by the DCA.
DCA heads operates like puppets on string. Its the first religious statue hence people who don’t understand or have different opinions will have issues
If the church really get approval already, DCA should hold strain. Why frustrate people after they done spend money and time? Sounds like somebody trying to flex power
Me feel like DCA should be focusing on real issues affecting the community instead of targeting a statue that already stand up and not hurting nobody. Whether people like it or not, plenty folks see it as a reminder of hope and prophecy. If it not block road or mash up nobody property, why DCA stressing?
Boy, me nah agree with DCA on this one at all. If the church take four months to get dem papers and dem still come now talking ’bout stop work, that sound like pure red tape and politics. Antigua done have so much eyesores all over abandoned buildings, half-finish projects, derelict cars yet nobody rushing to pull up dem. But the minute one church try put up something to symbolize faith and send a message, is problem