Church pleads for peace following election

ROSEAU, Dominica (CMC):

The head of the Roman Catholic Church here, Bishop Gabriel Malzaire, is urging Dominicans to put aside their differences following “one of the most divisive general elections” in the history of the island.

In his Christmas message, the bishop, who himself was a victim of the violent protests that marred the polls, said “no one can doubt that peace and tranquillity should be the most precious object of our desire in our quest to fulfil the divine plan … in this historical period f our existence”.

He said the Christmas season provides the best opportunity for Dominicans to put aside their political differences and come together in an environment of peace and love.

“What better time for us as Church and as nation to put some effort into the much-needed area but the Season of Advent and Christmas. The message of the Throng of Angels on the first Christmas morning was Glory to God in the Highest Heaven and on earth, peace to those who enjoy God’s will”.

Bishop Malzaire said it stands to reason therefore that the favour of God “is directly related to the pursuit of peace in the human community.

“It is the one gift in which the human heart naturally yearns,” he said, adding “let us pray therefore in this Yuletide Season and beyond the divine harmony which God desires for us and for our nation will find a home among us”.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has called for peace following the elections and has extended an invitation for Opposition leader Lennox Linton to meet.

But the United Workers Party has said it intends to challenge the outcome of the election that was won by the Dominica labour Party by an 18-3 margin in the High Court.