Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, also serving as the Minister with responsibility for Ecclesiastical Affairs, has issued a poignant plea to the religious leaders of the Virgin Islands, urging them to lead their congregations in a collective week of prayer from January 19th to January 25th, 2024. The call for unity comes in response to the myriad challenges the Territory has faced early in the new year.

Commencing the year with a devastating fire that claimed the life of a cherished citizen, the community finds itself in a season of grief. Subsequently, the Governor’s Fifth Quarterly Review proposed seeking additional powers for governance reform, casting uncertainty over the Territory’s future. Premature deaths, including that of a former House of Assembly member, coupled with peculiar incidents and accidents, have left the community grappling with sorrow and ambiguity.

The Virgin Islands is also grappling with negative publicity as the trial of former Premier Mr. Andrew Fahie approaches. Acknowledging the imperative for divine intervention, Premier Wheatley invites the community to turn to prayer as a source of solace and strength in these trying times.

Drawing inspiration from scripture, Premier Wheatley invokes 2 Chronicles 7:14, stating, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” With this biblical guidance, Premier Wheatley calls upon churches to spearhead a collective spiritual effort to seek solace and restoration.

To facilitate coordination, Premier Wheatley has scheduled a Zoom Meeting on Friday, January 19th, 2024, at 1 p.m. During this virtual assembly, details of the seven-day prayer initiative will be shared. The meeting will also provide a platform for congregational leaders to deliberate and plan for a special prayer service on Thursday, January 25th, 2024.

Premier Wheatley expresses his anticipation for the meeting, encouraging all religious leaders to actively participate. He emphasizes the power of unity and collective prayer as a means to find strength, hope, and healing for the Virgin Islands. The Zoom link for the meeting will be disseminated by the BVI Christian Council’s Media Officer. As the community unites in prayer, there is a shared optimism that this spiritual initiative will serve as a guiding light through these challenging times.