In response to a surge in violent crime, the government has declared a half-day public holiday for Thursday’s National Day of Prayer, encouraging citizens and residents to participate in religious observances seeking divine intervention and guidance for the twin island state.
According to an official announcement, businesses, banks, shops, and public offices will close at noon on September 14. Information Minister Melford Nicholas has stated that private companies remaining open beyond this time will be required to compensate their employees with holiday pay.
The half-day holiday aims to facilitate widespread participation in the day’s events, which include a prayer march scheduled to start at 1:30 PM from St. John’s.
Reverend Dr. Emanuel Elizee, Chairman of the Ecclesiastical Commission, outlined the day’s activities during a recent crime forum. “The day’s events will commence early in the morning, with prayers held in two or three churches within each parish, including Barbuda, functioning as satellite prayer stations from 6 AM until noon,” he explained.
The Commission plans to engage media outlets to emphasize the spiritual focus of the day, including programming and music designed to uplift participants.
The afternoon will feature a march departing from the West Bus Station, proceeding to the Antigua Recreation Grounds (ARG). The event will culminate in a series of prayers led by various pastors and a mini-concert aimed at engaging young people through music and spiritual messages.
Organized by the Ecclesiastical Commission, the National Day of Prayer will see participation from various Christian denominations, government officials, and community partners.