St John’s, January 2015. Anthony Bailey visited Antigua & Barbuda from 27 to 29 January 2015 to attend the formal launch ceremonies of the multi-million dollar charitable engagement in Antigua and Barbuda of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St George.
In his capacity of Delegate for Great Britain & Ireland and Magistral Delegate for Inter-Religious Relations, Anthony attended the Launch ceremony that took place on 28 January 2015 at the former Catholic Cathedral and Church of St Joseph and St Patrick in St John’s.
In attendance were The Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Rodney Williams, the Most Rev Kenneth Richards, Bishop of St John’s–Basseterre, the Hon Londel Benjamin Parliamentary Secretary with Responsibility for Ecclesiastical Affairs and Ministerial representative of the Prime Minister Hon Gaston Browne, HE Ambassador Anthony Liverpool representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Leader of HM Opposition, The Hon Winston Baldwin Spencer and many other guests.
The charitable projects are being supported through the efforts of the Constantinian Order’s Delegation for Great Britain and Ireland in cooperation with the Diocese of St John’s-Basseterre. They include the completion of the Good Samaritan Catholic Church and Community Outreach Centre in Hatton, the redevelopment of St Joseph’s Academy school, the complete renovation of St Joseph’s and St Patrick’s Catholic Church on Independence Avenue and a sizable sponsorship of the Antilles Episcopal Conference Youth Assembly which will take place in Antigua in 2015.
The Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, HE Sir Rodney Williams, GCMG, KGN, GCFO, warmly welcomed the positive and prominent role that the Constantinian Order now has in Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean region and also of the significant contribution made to charitable projects in the areas of education, national patrimony, social welfare and community outreach. “I would like to thank Anthony Bailey for his efforts in championing the engagement of the Constantinian Order in Antigua and Barbuda and bringing to the attention of this international organisation the needs of our islands. These projects contribute significantly to the welfare of our people and mark also the further deepening of the relationship between our country and the Constantinian Order which is determined to be long and prosperous” the Governor General said.
The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, The Hon. Gaston Browne said, “The launching of the multi-million projects funded by the Constantinian Order is a swift response to the charitable needs announced during the Official Visit to St John’s in November 2014. The contribution of the Constantinian Order brings benefits to many, especially to the young people. This noble endeavour led by Anthony Bailey will impact the lives of many of our citizens in a positive way and for a long time. Our Government fully supports these initiatives and looks forward to a long-lasting relationship with this ancient and internationally recognised Christian organisation”.
Anthony Bailey said, “I am delighted that the Constantinian Order through the generosity of its members and friends and following the Official Visit of the Grand Master and Grand Prior last November, has commenced these much needed projects and put in place the entire funding. It is our belief that by building schools, training facilities, libraries, places of worship, we provide an opportunity to build development, strong values and a better future for the people of Antigua and Barbuda. The benefits of these projects go well beyond the minority Catholic community to impact the multi-faith Antiguan society as a whole. I look forward to working together with the Diocese, the Antiguan authorities and other local partners to the implementation of the projects within a shortest period of time.”
For more information on the Constantinian Order click here.
