A local priest is warning Barbadians to be careful what they say.
Addressing today’s multi faith service in observance of Commonwealth Day, Rector of St George Parish Church Reverend John Rogers sternly cautioned that freedom of speech must not be confused with “freedom to slander or destroy”.
In fact, he told fellow members of the Royal Commonwealth Society, which is marking its 150th anniversary this year under the theme A History in Common, A Future in Progress, that “in an age where technology has shrunk our world”, it was incumbent on them to safeguard traditional values.
“Freedom of speech must be tempered with empathy, with reconciliation and compassion,” Rogers said, while also suggesting that the very survival of the Commonwealth could be at stake owing to a renewed focus on nationalism.
“What nationalism teaches goes against the very grain of what the Commonwealth teaches and so I urge us as citizens of the Commonwealth and members of The Royal Commonwealth Society to be even more resolute in our efforts to transmit the true meanings of democracy and freedom of speech and justice and love to the young people we have been called to serve throughout the world,” he said.
This morning’s service at the St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral was also attended by members of the Jewish, Baha’i, Buddhist, Muslim and Christian faiths who joined in offering up prayers for the 53-nation grouping.
The service took place under the patronage of Governor General Dame Sandra Mason, who, in delivering remarks on behalf of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, who is the head of the Commonwealth, highlighted the shared inheritance of members of the grouping.
Dame Sandra also suggested that the Commonwealth’s diversity was “cause for celebration rather than division”.
“We shall see this in the action of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting which takes places in the United Kingdom next month and brings together young people, business and civil society from across the Commonwealth.
“These gatherings in themselves are fine examples of how consensus and commitment can help to create a future that is fairer, more secure, more prosperous and sustainable,” the Governor General said, while also making reference to next month’s Commonwealth Games in Australia.
Today’s service featured performances from the Parkinson Memorial School Choir, the St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Primary School Choir and the Ann Hill School Choir.
Members of the Barbados Cadets Corps also saluted the Governor General before marching over to Parliament carrying the 53 flags of the Commonwealth.
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