The BVI Christian Council issued the following after the March 4 election of its new executive committee, which includes President Paul Ricketts, of Sanctuary of Hope New Testament Church of God; Vice President Rosemarie Flax, of the Methodist Church; Secretary and Media Officer Ve-Anna Thomas, of Trinity Moravian Church; Assistant Secretary Lesia Grazette, of Deliverance Restoration Outreach Ministries; Treasurer Kenneth Hodge of NTA Living Hope Ministries; Assistant Treasurer Nolma Chalwell, of Community Worship Centre Church of God of Prophecy Long Look; Public Relations Officer Sandra Walters-Malone, of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church; and Assistant Public Relations Officer Edward Pullock of Living Waters Worship Center.

Several months ago, members of the BVI Christian Council met with Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley to discuss several pressing topics, among which were our proposed youth development initiatives, the church’s vital role in shaping a better future for our territory, and the upcoming concert supported financially by the Virgin Islands government. While our conversations were interactive and mostly positive on many fronts, we informed the premier in no uncertain terms our disappointment in the government’s financial support of the Vbyez Kartel concert scheduled for Saturday, as the messaging of this activity directly contravenes our Christian principles and impacts greatly our cultural and moral trajectory.

Although we pride ourselves in being the “watchdog of our nation and the conscience of our community,” we have not addressed challenges such as this in a manner where our voices have been heard. We therefore commit to correct this pattern and to provide a stronger and more consistent voice, giving praise when it is due while also calling out issues that we believe will negatively impact our nation’s well-being.

Three concerns

We have three broad concerns in relation to Vybz Kartel and similar artists.

  • Our first concern is an erosion of values. Artists such as Vybz Kartel often promote messages rife with violence, sexual content, and the glorification of lifestyles that conflict with our fundamental beliefs. Endorsing such figures risks eroding the very values we strive to impart to our youth.
  • Our second concern is a potential negative impact on youth and society. This event is not simply entertainment: It carries an implicit endorsement of themes that undermine respect for others, promote crime and drug culture, and demean women. The effects of this decision will most likely resonate far beyond the event itself, shaping the perspectives of impressionable young people.
  • Our third concern concerns financial and moral costs. While the financial investment is significant, we believe the true cost will be paid in the lives and values of future generations. Our nation cannot afford and should not compromise on its moral principles.

The BVI Christian Council, therefore, wishes to express our disappointment with the allowance of Vybz Kartel’s performance in the VI. While we recognise that it is not feasible to prevent this concert at this stage, we firmly urge the government to avoid hosting similar events in the future due to their potentially harmful influence on our community.

We would also like to draw attention to a recent concert held on March 2 at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. It was very well attended and thoughtfully organised, and it offered uplifting and positive content. We hope that this type of event can serve as a model for future entertainment in our territory.

As a body of Christian believers, we are called to intercede for those in authority and will continue to pray for our leaders, as well as for wisdom and discernment in guiding our territory. Yet we also recognise that prayer alone is not enough.

As we move forward, the BVICC is fully committed to being proactive, transparent, united and vocal in our stance on issues, actions or behaviours that will compromise our core principles. Let us be judged favourably in the future as a people who will stand ready to safeguard our moral principles, leaving a rich legacy of integrity for the generations to come.