Roberts says Christian Council losing relevance

Thu, May 21st 2015, 12:00 AM

Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Chairman Bradley Roberts said yesterday he believes Bahamas Christian Council President Dr. Ranford Patterson "stands alone" with his dissenting views on Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival. Roberts claimed there were several prominent religious leaders who attended and enjoyed the inaugural festival, which took place May 7-9. Roberts declined to name anyone. However, he insisted there were several religious leaders who observed the Road Fever, which saw hundreds of participants dancing through the streets in both demure and revealing costumes.

"I'm afraid that Dr. Patterson is out there on a leaf all by himself or very few are with him," he said. "Next year it is going to be even bigger and better. I have been going to carnival in Trinidad for the last 30 years. I have to say we have gotten off to a wonderful start. Trinidad has its own critics like that as well, so it is not unusual."

Patterson expressed concern about what Bahamians, particularly young children, are being exposed to at the expense of the state. He said the council will call the church to "come together and demonstrate our strength" in an event soon to be announced. But Roberts said the Christian Council is losing its relevance. He agreed with yesterday's Nassau Guardian editorial that "Patterson's council is becoming increasingly out of touch with the times".

Roberts previously called Patterson misguided after the Christian Council president said ahead of the festival that carnival will "encourage promiscuity, fornication, rape, incest and other sins of the flesh".

Roberts expressed a similar view again yesterday.

The government reportedly spent $9 million on carnival. When contacted, Festival Commission Chairman Paul Major declined to respond to Patterson. He said the commission remains focused on preparing its account of the events and the economic impact assessment, which he expects to be completed before June 1. Days ahead of carnival, Major said the impact on the gross domestic product (GDP) could reach up to $60 million.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian

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