Evangelical leaders on the Caribbean island of Nevis met to discuss drug concerns in the wider community and pledged to support efforts to combat illegal substances. The Nevis Evangelical Association (NEA) met with the St. Kitts and Nevis Drug Council in early February to address the issue.
Discussions focused on the theme “The Church and Drugs,” the Rev. Ron Daniel, chairman of the NEA, said on social media. Daniel, who also serves as a member of the council, described the meeting as “an amazing and informative time.”
“Here we were exposed to recent surveys and information related to drug use among our population,” Daniel said. “We saw firsthand the prevalence of this and sought as a church body to see where we can intervene to help our country.
“We are the salt of the earth, and so we as a church community have committed to do our part to ensure that we reduce or eliminate the use of harmful drugs in St. Kitts and Nevis.”
Karimu Byron-Caines, director of the National Council on Drug Abuse Prevention (NCDAP) Secretariat for St. Kitts and Nevis, led the presentation and briefed the NEA on drug use patterns and intervention strategies. Nadine Carty-Caines co-presented the meeting. She is program coordinator of the Nevis HIV/AIDS Coordinating Unit and a senior official within the Nevis Health Promotion Unit.
Daniel expressed special thanks to both presenters for educating the NEA about drug issues on Nevis.
“They presented in a way that was relatable and allowed for interaction,” he said. “The Nevis Evangelical Association continues to be grateful for the collaboration of all churches as we try our best to bring awareness to critical issues that we as a church must confront.”
Daniel said the meeting also examined the underlying causes of drug use and why people do not always understand the consequences of substance misuse. He said the presentation looked at stages of development related to the issue, particularly among the island’s young people.
Meanwhile, Daniel was appointed district superintendent of the Wesleyan Holiness Church for the St. Kitts District on Feb. 22. The district includes all Wesleyan Holiness churches in St. Kitts, Nevis, Anguilla, Saba and St. Martin.
On social media, he described the new role as a “hugely humbling honor” and thanked his family and his home church, Brown Hill Wesleyan Holiness Church, for their support.
“As I take up this new position, I do so conscious of the fact that I cannot do it in my own strength,” Daniel said. “The work begins now, and I am conscious of the fact that it is a huge task, but it is a huge task for a huge God. We have come far as a church, but there is still so much more we can do as a church. I do not intend to rest on my laurels as we seek to connect the church to the community and the country so that more people can become connected to Jesus Christ.”
“I crave your prayers and support as we seek to expand the kingdom of God for the glory of God.”
