Apostle Dr. Stephen Andrews

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A message of gratitude and national reflection took center stage Sunday as Apostle Dr. Stephen Andrews urged Antiguans and Barbudans to recognize what he described as God’s continued favor over a nation constantly exposed to natural threats and uncertainty.

Speaking during a Thanksgiving Service attended by members and supporters of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), the senior pastor of the St. John’s Pentecostal Church House of Restoration said Antigua and Barbuda’s progress as a developing nation should not be taken for granted.

Addressing hundreds gathered at the service, Andrews highlighted what he described as the country’s unique ability to thrive despite being among the world’s most vulnerable nations to natural disasters.

He pointed to the country’s exposure to hurricanes, recurring drought conditions and seismic activity, noting that Antigua and Barbuda continues to face significant environmental challenges year after year.

“Despite being in a disaster zone with an annual 33 percent chance of a direct hit from a major hurricane, several earthquakes each year, including one on Saturday that measured 6.4 on the Richter Scale, and regular prolonged droughts, Antigua and Barbuda has been able to record one of the most impressive economic growth rates of any country in the Caribbean region,” Andrews told the congregation.

The pastor said his research into the country’s environmental history revealed a long list of destructive weather events that have tested the nation’s strength. He referenced storms including Hurricanes Hugo, Luis, Marilyn and Georges, while also recalling the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017, which left Barbuda severely impacted.

Yet according to Andrews, the country’s story has not been one of defeat.

Instead, he said Antigua and Barbuda has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to recover, rebuild and move forward with determination after each crisis.

He also pointed to drought statistics, saying Antigua and Barbuda experienced 14 drought episodes between 2000 and 2020 while continuing to exist within a highly active seismic region.

Beyond reflecting on the country’s challenges, Andrews directed a message to the nation’s leaders, encouraging them to remain grounded in faith, united in purpose and committed to serving the people.

He offered prayers for Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Cabinet members and parliamentarians from both houses, describing public service as a sacred responsibility between elected officials, citizens and God.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Senior Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin, Works Minister Maria Browne, ABLP Chairman E.P. Chet Greene, senators, elected representatives and party officials were among those in attendance for the service, which followed the party’s recent election victory.