PM Phillips urges Caribbean Baptist women to strengthen communities through faith

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, called on Christian women across the Caribbean to continue using their faith, leadership and compassion to strengthen families and support vulnerable people within their communities.

During his address to the 42nd General Conference of the Caribbean Baptist Women’s Union, held under the theme, “Living the Good News in Communities,” at the Ramada Princess Hotel, today, the Prime Minister reflected on the deeply emotional period in Guyana, as the nation continues to mourn the lives lost in the MV Barima tragedy.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with every family whose life has been forever changed by this tragedy.”

He said that moments of profound loss often remind people of the importance of family, community and faith, and people often turn to their religious bodies for comfort, reassurance and the strength to continue.

Against this backdrop, the Prime Minister described the conference’s theme as especially timely and meaningful. He pointed to the Apostle Paul’s message in Romans 12, which calls on believers to demonstrate genuine love, patience, humility, hospitality and compassion, while rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep.

“These words are instructions for how Christians should live among their neighbours every day, and they are especially meaningful at times such as these.”

Prime Minister Phillips also underscored the longstanding role of churches in caring for grieving families, noting that congregations often continue to provide support long after public attention has shifted. He said church members visit the bereaved, prepare meals, offer prayers, support children who have lost parents and remind hurting families that they are not alone.

Much of this work, he added, has traditionally been led by women. “For generations, Christian women have helped to shape the moral life of our communities. They have nurtured families, taught children the values that sustain strong societies, cared for the elderly, encouraged young people and extended compassion to neighbours in need.”

The influence of these women, the Prime Minister added, is often reflected not in public recognition, but in the lives they have been quietly transformed.

He acknowledged the pressures confronting families and young people in modern society, including the rapid spread of information and competing ideas about family, identity, responsibility and human relationships. In this environment, he said, Christians are called to remain faithful to the Word of God while responding to others with grace, humility and compassion.

“Christian witness has always been strongest when faith is demonstrated through character, integrity and service. The message of the Gospel becomes even more powerful when it is reflected in our everyday actions.”

Prime Minister Phillips highlighted the important role women play as mentors, caregivers and community leaders. He said women frequently recognise when a neighbour is struggling, encourage mothers facing difficult circumstances, guide younger women through adulthood and help to create the sense of belonging that keeps communities together.

“Every woman who encourages another woman strengthens an individual, a family and, ultimately, the wider society.”

The Government’s commitment to ensuring that women have “every opportunity” to contribute fully to Guyana’s development was also emphasised.

He said this commitment is reflected in continued investments in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, skills training and programmes designed to expand opportunities for women throughout the country. Today, he noted, women serve with distinction in public office, the judiciary, education, healthcare, business, agriculture, the security services and several other sectors.

Prime Minister Phillips however cautioned that legislation and public policy alone cannot create compassionate and caring communities. “That work depends upon people, values and individuals who are prepared to care for others, especially when those persons are at their most vulnerable.”

He encouraged delegates to use the conference to develop fresh approaches to serve their communities, strengthen their churches, support families and inspire young women to pursue lives of purpose grounded in faith.