Happenings Around the World

Facing page, top: A hand bell choir performs during the 200th anniversary celebration of Baptists in Trinidad

Right: Keynote speaker Ken Cadette challenges the large turnout at the 200th anniversary celebration of Baptists in Trinidad

and Tobago over the past 200 years” and saluted “the memory of the many through whom God has spread the glorious Gospel” in the Caribbean twin island republic. “We remember the women and men who settled in south

Trinidad, brought their faith with them, and commenced Baptist witness in this island,” Callam declared. “We also celebrate the work that was undertaken in [the capital] Port of Spain starting in 1843 and the support given it in the early years.” In encouraging historians to write the history of Baptists for

posterity, Callam pointedly recalled the names of notable Baptists from the Caribbean nation, which lies just off the South American mainland. These include Edward Confor, George Cowen, Will Hamilton, Robert Andrews, Albert Mitchell, David Richardson, Jim Thompson, John Law, Nelton Richardson, Norris Ryan, Beryl Saunders, John Bramble and John Philbert. He noted the role that Cadette and another Trinidadian, Wendy

Ryan, former BWA director of Communications, played in the life of the BWA. Anslem Warrick, BUTT general secretary, a GBATT

Just as the early pioneers brought their faith and planted churches, so too should present day Baptists be faithful in spreading the Gospel wherever they are.

director and chair of the Bicentennial Celebrations Committee, is a BWA vice president. CBF Vice President Bernadette Richards-Duncan challenged

the Trinidadians to keep the momentum alive by making the event an annual one. David Kerrigan, general director of the British mission agency, BMS World Mission, sent greetings celebrating the long relations shared between British and Trinidad Baptists and rejoiced in God’s faithfulness. The event took place at Sundar Popo Buparlal Hall of the

Southern Academy for the Performing Arts in San Fernando and included a mix of positive messages in song, dance, poetry and spoken word. The Bicentennial Celebrations continue with a Gala Dinner on June 18 and a National Church Growth Leadership Conference and book launch on September 17.

Trinidad Baptists trace their history back to the arrival of a group of former enslaved persons who were Marines and soldiers who fought on the side of the British during the American War of 1812-1814.

Far left: A dance group performs during the 200th anniversary celebration of Baptists in Trinidad

Center left: A section of the audience at the 200th anniversary celebration

Left: Caribbean Baptist Fellowship Vice President Bernadette Richards-Duncan brings greetings to Trinidad Baptists

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