The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Men United March continues to gain momentum every year and organisers are expecting this year’s event on Whit Monday to be the biggest since its inception five years ago.

On May 25, men are being called to march against crime and social ills in the country, and to promote the spiritual and social responsibility of their gender in society.

Men United March (MUM) founder Pastor Dudley Seide of Reach Out Ministries announced that veteran educator Cecil Thompson will be honoured this year.

Pastor Seide said the march will end at Taino Beach, where there will be performances by gospel artists, church groups and bands. Pastor Simeon Outten and the New Life Band, the Legends Band, and the Pathfinders Band will be performing. There also will be activities and games.

“We are expecting over 1,000 men and their families to come out as we march against the social ills facing the country, and also to honour a great man in the Grand Bahama community,” he said.

“We want to salute Mr Cecil Thompson for the good work he has done and continues to do in this country.”

Pastor Seide, who is pushing for the event to be similar to Nassau’s FAM FEST, is calling on the government and the community to support it.

“We want to send a message to this nation that the Christian community is here. We put a lot of money into (Bahamas Junkanoo) Carnival… and if you going to pay secular people to perform, let’s also pay gospel artists because many of them perform for free, and we are asking government to look into pushing these young men,” he said.

The Men United March is an event that inspires and encourages men to take more responsibility as positive role models in their homes, churches, and in the community.

Although the march is targeting men, Mr Seide said women, mothers, and families are also invited to support it.

DJ GYO (God’s Young One) is encouraging young people to come out.

“As a church we forget about the young people and they turn to drugs and the streets,” he said. “We want to reach them and compel them through the music to be loving and compassionate.”

He said that gospel artists such as REZA, Operation Faith, and Lil Tuck will be performing.

Principal Norris Bain, of Tabernacle Baptist Academy, commended Mr Seide for organising the march and honouring Mr Thompson.

“This is a very meaningful event for the island of Grand Bahama. I want to also congratulate Dr Cecil Thompson, who has touched the lives of many children in Grand Bahama; he has reached three to four generations of young people.”

Mr Bain believes that if the country is going to see a change, it must start with the men taking their rightful place in the home as good fathers, husbands, and positive role models to their children.

Mr Thompson said it is a tremendous honour for him.

“I am humbled by it. It is indeed an honour for me. It is very special because Dudley Seide was a graduate of Hawksbill High School, which produced legendary figures,” he said.

Mr Thompson has been involved in MUM from the beginning. He also thanked Rev Lindy Russell who has also supported the event since its inception.

“I have always been supported by many organisations and persons. I am inviting all residents of Grand Bahama, particularly fathers, and mothers to bring their sons and daughters,” he said.

Mr Thompson has also served as director in the Ministry of Education. He is also a retired undersecretary in the Ministry of Grand Bahama.