Politicians come together at international gospel concert

Apr 04, 2011 News

To a large gathering at the National Park on Saturday night, President Bharrat Jagdeo took his plea for love and unity in Guyana, embracing opposition party Alliance For Change (AFC) member Raphael Trotman.
The occasion was a mega gospel concert with guest American recording artiste William McDowell and his band. Local gospel artistes also participated.
After a brief chat with McDowell and his team during a courtesy visit at State House earlier in the day the Head of State delivered on his promise to attend the concert and was part of the action, joining the exuberant gathering from beginning to end.
During his remarks, the President reminded the gathering to show love for one another regardless of social backgrounds or political affiliation and work towards the creation of a new Guyanese identity that promotes humanity.
According to a Government News Agency report, Trotman was invited on stage by the President to reiterate the same message as he (President Jagdeo) believes that leaders should be the first to set the example.

Renowned international gospel artiste William McDowell delivers his message at the National Park.

“The politics will come and go; the love of God will always remain. Love for our country must supersede anything else,” President Jagdeo said.
In his response, Trotman publicly sought redress for any utterances that the two may have made against each other in the past and President Jagdeo responded in like manner. The response from the crowd was overwhelming.
“This is the spirit that we need in this country. If we have this spirit then our country can reach the summit of possibilities,” President Jagdeo said.
The President also spoke with confidence about the admirable God fearing qualities of the Guyanese people and the nation which he said belongs to the creator.
He even credited his presidency to the blessing of the higher being quoting from the bible that, ‘God raises up leaders’.
“On behalf of all of you and all of those who are not here tonight, I promise that we as a nation will recommit ourselves to the worship and the love of God and that we live our lives in a way that is respectful of his commands,” President Jagdeo said.
McDowell was lauded for his inspirational and soul touching performance.
“Minister McDowell, I wish to thank you and your team for coming to this country. If you stay here long enough you will fall in love with this land because it is made up of beautiful people,” President Jagdeo said.
The gospel recording artiste has an album voted number one in America with the hit single “I Give Myself Away”.
Before embarking on his own musical journey, Minister McDowell toured the world as protégé of the famous gospel singer Ron Kenoly.
Prior to the concert, McDowell participated in a gospel symposium and a courtesy call on President Jagdeo whom he described as a generous and honest individual with a willingness to include the churches in the country’s development process.
“We offered to pray for him and for the nation as well,” Minister McDowell said.