The Tribune

The Anglican Church Men of the Diocese of The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands hosted its 46th annual conference in Georgetown, Exuma. The Exuma experience was rewarding. It allowed branches from across the diocese from as far north as Grand Bahama and as far south as the Grand Turk to benefit from hospitality and service while driving forward this year’s conference theme, “Renewing the Vision of your Saints”.

The scripture verse of focus was “Be not conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is God’s will - His good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2

There were several presentations covering topics such as mentorship and leadership, mental health, and spirituality. Each day, there were meditations led by Father Pinder, rector of St Margaret’s Parish, New Providence, and mass at St Andrew’s Church.

The ACM chaplain, Theophilus Glinton, led a spirited morning prayer session each day, and the weekend was filled with prayers, meditation and melodious singing. There were scores of first-time attendees at this year’s conference, and also an acknowledgement that there were a larger amount of younger men attending the conference than in previous years. The conference was successful because of the participation of everyone, especially the conference committee led by Shanty Richards, Ken O’Brien, Godfrey Arthur, Krispen Sturrup, Erald Thompson, and Immediate Past President Dwight Gibson. It should also be noted that parishes in Exuma and the Turks and Caicos region had the most members registered for this years conference.

One of the major highlights was the election of the new ACM Council Executives. The new ACM Council Executives include: Gevon Moss – President, Kenric Major – Vice President, Sheldon Morris – Secretary, Weston Saunders – Assistant Secretary, Erald Thompson – Treasurer, Darius Ferguson – Assistant Treasurer, and Theophilus Glinton - Chaplain. The election was conducted by Dean of the Cathedral, Father Harry Bain.

One of the significant results of this year’s election is that the ACM selected as its leader the youngest president in the history of the ACM. The message was clear that at all levels the ACM supports the development, mentorship and elevation of its younger members.

The men also painted the inside and outside of St Margaret’s Parish Hall in Harts, Exuma, as part of the organisation’s outreach and community projects initiative.

At the conclusion of the c onference, the newly-elected president wasted no time in creating two Diocesan Awards - the Reginald Grant “Comrade of the Year Award” and the Richard Gibbs “Branch of the Year Award”. He highlighted the characteristics of two ACM leaders that deserved to be acknowledged for their contributions to the ACM and its success. Both Mr Grant and Mr Gibbs died this year. The awards will be given in their honour annually. The president, on behalf of the ACM membership, used this opportunity to present financial contributions to Bishop Laish Boyd for two years of the Insight radio programme. He also gave two checks to Father Ethan Adderley, to support the ministry of God’s word in Exuma, and the continued growth and development of the churches in Exuma.

The ACM’s forward focus and theme for the next two years is “Making Good Men Better”.

The next conference is planned for San Salvador, The Bahamas.