INTRODUCTION 

Administrators of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Inter-American Division (IAD), field presidents of the Caribbean Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (CARU), delegates, spouses and family members of delegates, specially invited guests, institutional leaders, administrative colleagues, directors, office staff, brothers and sisters, greetings in the name of Jesus Christ!

It is my honor and distinct pleasure to give an account of my stewardship, for the term under review, to the constituency of the Caribbean Union Conference. I give God thanks for His blessings, bounties, and the privilege to report to the constituency of God’s intervention in and through the lives of His people; to provide the delegates with the opportunity to contribute fresh ideas and views to the management of the Caribbean Union; and to allow God to lead out in the election of officers to continue the work of His Church.

The Caribbean Union Conference continues to manage its diversity and confront its complexity. We continue to thank God for the twenty-four islands and the countries of Guyana and Suriname, the six stable currencies, and more than four languages and dialects that are spoken. We have been able to enhance our status as a Union and strengthen our resolve as the “Adventist CARICOM (Caribbean Community and Common Market)”. The Psalmist’s encouragement is relevant: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” (133:1, NKJV).

We can be optimistic and hopeful for the future because of our rich history and heritage, a compelling mission, a tradition of committed workers, financial resourcefulness, and the promises of God. We are committed to being “Grounded in the Word and Focused on the Mission” (theme of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, 2025-2030).         We are passionate about “Living the Mission” (theme of the IAD, 2025-2030).

CARU SESSION THEMES 

The theme that has guided the operations of the term under review is “I Will Go: Faithful in Service”. The theme for the next quinquennium (2026-2031) is “Committed to Discipleship: Compelled by Love”.

VISION STATEMENT 

“A Spirit-filled Church, converted and committed to Christ and contributing to all aspects of the work and ministry of the Church, living in readiness for the Second Coming of Christ.”

MISSION STATEMENT 

“To honor God in the proclamation of the Everlasting Gospel to all people, in the context of the Three Angels’ Messages, and to disciple believers as loving witnesses in readiness for the soon return of Jesus Christ.”

CORE VALUES 

Selfless Service, Excellence, Accountability, and Team Spirit

LEADERSHIP TEAM

The CARU leadership team comprised the president, executive secretary, treasurer, associate treasurer, and administrative assistant to the office of the president. 

• • EXECUTIVE SECRETARY: The Caribbean Union Conference has benefitted tremendously from the expertise and experience of Pastor Johnson Frederick as the Executive Secretary, for ten years. We have benefitted significantly from the expertise that he gained while pursuing and preparing for a doctoral degree in Leadership. The Caribbean Union Conference has grown professionally because of his function as its leadership coordinator.

• TREASURER: Pastor Bertie Henry is one of the most experienced and respected treasurers of the Inter-American Division. His capacity and authenticity are unmatched. As the longest serving member of our administration, he provides historicity, continuity, and stability to our administrative and executive meetings.

• ASSOCIATE TREASURER: During this term, Sister Kerene Horsford-Nero was elected as the Associate Treasurer of the Caribbean Union Conference, after Dr Joel Hazelwood accepted a call to be the Vice President for Finance at the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC). She was the treasurer of the Tobago Conference and has brought strong administrative, leadership, and financial competences to support the CARU treasury.
• ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Sister Faith Pustam-Ramdath is a blessing to the president’s office. She brings a wide range of competences to support the president’s function. Her relational warmth, administrative and organizational skill, planning and strategic prowess, computing and programming competences, and her creative writing ability make her an ideal team member with the president. 

MINISTRIES, SERVICES, AND DIRECTORS 

• Assistant to the President for Evangelism, Conservation, and Training: Dr Claudius Morgan has continued to impact the evangelism landscape regionally and internationally. His Good News evangelistic campaign in Guyana, in 2024, was an outstanding success. His campaigns in New York and Bermuda were appreciated by their leaders and members. The evangelism website is of inestimable value for generations to come. His training programs for pastors and others have allowed him to share his expertise freely. His written works are a legacy of perpetual value.

• Field Secretary/Public Affairs and Religious Liberty/ Spirit of Prophecy Coordinator: Dr Clive Dottin was indefatigable in performing his roles and functions in his specific ministries. His energy has not abated, especially as he has been one of the leading regional and international evangelists and missionaries of the Caribbean Union Conference. He has been the leading contributor to the Encyclopedia project of the General Conference and has been lauded by leaders of the Inter-American Division for his monumental contribution to that project. 

• Education: Dr Daphney Magloire was elected to serve as the Education Director of the Caribbean Union Conference, during the term, after the retirement of Dr Hilary Bowman. As one of the most experienced field education directors, she has brought those competences in educational leadership and policies to her current role. She has continued to provide the requisite exposure and expertise, which have guaranteed exceptional performances by directors, principals, and students of the fields and schools within our Union. The cruise for directors and principals, organized in 2025, is an example of her caring disposition and innovation.

• Ministerial Association: Pastor Ammaran Williams has been exceptional at providing ministerial leadership of the Caribbean Union Conference. His administrative and pastoral experience, compassion, advocacy for pastors, and his strong ethical and moral platform have given him the ability to lead the pastors as an exceptional role model.  The support that he has received from Pastor Royston Philbert, who was elected as an Associate Ministerial Secretary during the current term, has added strength and depth to the department. Sister Linda Tobias has served the association diligently for three terms.  As Associate Ministerial Secretary, she has brought the feminine poise to the team and continues to be a model and mentor for ministerial spouses in the fields. The highlight of the term was the Ministerial Retreat that was held in the Dominican Republic, in 2024.

• • Family Life: The Family Ministries, under the leadership of Pastor Ammaran Williams, have continued to provide education, advocacy, and counseling services to leaders and members. The preparation of the Holy Spirit Emphasis Week resource in 2025, to be used in 2026, was an empowering and strengthening experience.  

• Communication: Pastor Royston Philbert must be commended for facilitating a redesign of the Caribbean Union Conference’s website, the timely preparation and distribution of The Gleanings magazine, the Holy Spirit Emphasis Week booklet, and the yearly CARU president’s report for division and union meetings. He has engaged the communication leaders of the Inter-American Division, particularly Pastor Abel Marquez and Sister Libna Stevens, to enhance the human capital of the Caribbean Union; the Communication Summit in Guyana, in 2025, where they informed and inspired a wide cross section of the constituency, was a historic event. The Film Festival in 2024, provided impetus for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ perpetually and powerfully. 

• Stewardship: Dr Gandalal Samlalsingh is well known and sought after, at the Inter-American Division and the General Conference, as one of the impactful stewardship presenters across the world. The Stewardship Holy Convocation is now well established in the Caribbean Union Conference and has been requested by other unions. 

• Adventist-laymen’s Services & Industries (ASI): Dr Gandalal Samlalsingh has exhibited his usual passion in mobilizing and motivating the members of the ASI chapters around the Caribbean Union Conference. Conventions were held in Jamaica and Panama, where members were able to coordinate their business interests, celebrate their achievements, and collaborate on their mission for Christ and His Church.

• Youth: Pastor Marvyn Smith has distinguished himself as an outstanding leader of our youths. Being young and innovative, he has connected admirably with leaders and members of the youth ministries across the Caribbean Union Conference. The YUTCAH (Youth United Through Christ Aiming Heavenward) experience at the University of the Southern Caribbean, in 2024, was a successful attempt to capture the attention and commitment of our senior youth for greater service to Christ. They were also challenged to become active participants in fulfilling His mission through the Church. One notable example of the commitment of the senior youth is Sister Xabisa Hamilton, who has been one of the most successful participants in the Bible Connections program. We were in awe and admiration when she emerged as the winner of the IAD Bible Connections finals, that were held on November 15, 2025 at the University of the Southern Caribbean. Pastor Smith is currently the Associate Youth Ministries Director of the Inter-American Division, having been elected at the 2026 Spring Executive Committee to fill that position. 

• Public Campus Ministry: Pastor Marvyn Smith has continued to mobilize the field leaders to provide chaplaincy and spiritual care and support for the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) students in secular universities, and encourage non-SDAs to have a better understanding of and appreciation for Christ and His saving love. 
• Health Ministries: Dr Alexander Isaacs has continued to provide leadership in health education and contributes to the strengthening of health institutions throughout the Caribbean Union Conference. One of the major highlights of this department was serving as the sole contributor to adult readings for the CARU’s Holy Spirit Emphasis Week resource, in January 2024. The department also collaborated with the Communication Department of CARU and served as the main contributor to The Gleanings-Special Edition, which was released in the first half of 2025. 

• Adventist Development and Relief Association (ADRA): Dr Alexander Isaacs was able to mobilize the ADRA leaders, throughout the territory, to respond in a timely manner to the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl that decimated Union Island (St. Vincent and the Grenadines), Carriacou, and Petite Martinique (Grenada). Goods, supplies, monetary contributions, and psychological support were provided to those who were affected. The staging of an ADRA Caribbean Union Grant and Proposal Writing Training program, in collaboration with Loma Linda University, was realized. The training was conducted from September 11 to 13, 2023, at the University of the Southern Caribbean. The objectives of this training were to equip ADRA and other personnel in the Caribbean Union with grant and proposal writing skills, and to be able to apply for and increase the likelihood of securing funding for a variety of projects which is a major thrust of the work of ADRA.
• Publishing: Pastor Ashton O’Neil has functioned as one of our super directors who was in charge of several ministries. He has championed the cause of the colporteurs and has worked with the Publishing Board to improve the work experience and conditions of colporteurs (literature evangelists). He was able to lead a contingent of colporteurs to the enriching and empowering Publishing Summit in Panama. Despite its challenges, the Publishing Ministries of the Caribbean Union continues to do well and to receive recognition and special awards from the Inter-American Division for its outstanding work in Literature Evangelists’ purchases, Inter-American Division Publishing Association (IADPA) stores’ purchases, and Publishing Coordinators’ purchases. Sister Tanikia St. John, from the South Caribbean Conference, was recognized as the Most Outstanding Literature Evangelist within the Inter-American Division for the years 2023 and 2024. 

• Personal Ministry: Pastor Ashton O’Neil has continued to mobilize, motivate, and train the lay preachers and Bible workers to continue to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Department has sought to preserve this ministry through its “Succession Planning: Cultivating a New Generation of Lay Preachers” initiatives. The director has already set in motion the identification, training, and mentoring of over one hundred and seventy (170) youth and other potential successors to the current lay preachers. These successors are expected to take up the mantle in their respective congregations. Some of the new lay preachers, who have been trained, have already successfully conducted evangelistic campaigns in their communities.

• Community Services: Under the leadership of Pastor Ashton O’Neil, the CARU Virtual Community Services Retreat, held on Zoom, April 9-11, 2021, was a resounding success. There were over two thousand (2,000) Community Services leaders and members in attendance. Pastor O’Neil was able to enlist scores of Nehemiah Skilled Volunteers to visit Jamaica to help in the rebuilding and repair of homes, after the devastation caused by the catastrophic Category 5 Hurricane, Melissa.
• Prayer Ministry: Prayer has been on the front burner of the Caribbean Union Conference and the ministry has been led by Pastor Ashton O’Neil. With increased utilization of the Zoom platform, prayer meetings at the church, district, field, and Union levels have expanded in frequency and accessibility.  The monthly “Back to the Altar” prayer session, hosted on the Zoom platform, has been a resounding success.  It has provided intercession, intervention, interaction, and inspiration as we benefitted from the music, prayers, testimonies, and sermonettes that were presented.

• Children & Adolescent Ministries: As the Children and Adolescent Ministries Director, Sister Debbie Henry has emphasized the safeguarding of our children which remains a critical responsibility and moral obligation of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. This focus area is aimed at creating safe, nurturing, and accountable environments within our churches. The Children and Adolescent Ministries Department was intentional in its commitment to equip leaders, volunteers, and staff with the knowledge and skills to identify, prevent, and respond to child protection concerns. During this term, the department conducted annual child protection training online. Participation has been mandatory and documented to ensure compliance and continuous awareness. A total of one thousand four hundred and twenty-nine persons were trained.

• Women’s Ministries: The empowerment of women has been a matter of consistent concern for the Director, Sister Debbie Henry. The training of women to be more powerful preachers and discipleship facilitators was achieved during this term. The Women’s Retreat in Mexico in 2025 was a blessing to women and motivated them to be more committed to Christ, their families, the Church, and their communities.

• Possibility Ministry: The members of the respective fields who have skills and abilities, but who need the support and advocacy of the leaders of the fields and the wider organizations, have been served well by the Director, Sister Debbie Henry. They are now regular attendees and participants in our church functions and special programs. Special mention must be made of the church for the deaf in Barbados. This is a wonderful model for all other fields.

• Sabbath School: Sister Debra Felix has continued to lead the growth and proficiency of Sabbath School initiatives throughout the Caribbean Union Conference. The very successful Sabbath School teachers’ training, via the Zoom platform, has enhanced their confidence and commitment to conduct more relevant programs.

• Human Resource (HR): Sister Debra Felix has been very effective as the HR Director. Her choice of specialist presenters provided the staff with the relevant information and inspiration to enhance our input and output. The motivational sessions and social engagements, especially the Foodie Tour in North Trinidad, were well received. The study of the book, Making Things Right at Work, by Gary Chapman, Jennifer Thomas, and Paul White, which was recommended by the Social Committee headed by Sister Pauline Frederick, has enhanced the work relationship at the office.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND ADMINISTRATION

The duration of this term has been four years. This occurrence is due to the fact that the previous term was six years, as a result of restrictions placed on assembling during the COVID-19 pandemic. We began this term with six conferences and four missions, and we have concluded it with seven conferences and three missions – the Tobago Mission attained conference status. There was continuity in some fields and there were changes in others. At the Constituency Meeting of the Caribbean Union Conference, held from July 20 to 23, 2022, presidents of missions were elected:

• ST. LUCIA MISSION (SLU): Pastor Roger Stephen of the St. Lucia Mission has been a transformative servant leader who has mobilized the human and financial resources to sustain quantitative and qualitative growth.
• ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES MISSION (SVG): Pastor Henry Snagg, of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Mission, provided a steady influence on the young workers of his leadership team. At the Plenary Committee of the Caribbean Union Conference in 2025, his retirement was accepted and Pastor Shane Franklyn began his tenure as president in January 2026.
• SURINAME MISSION (SUR): Pastor Guno Emmanuelson of the Suriname Mission has been a strong and strategic leader. The potential of this mission is being explored, and its evangelistic capacity may be measured by the large number of students who have enrolled at the University of the Southern Caribbean, to be trained as workers for God and the Church.

The presidents of the conferences are as follows:

• EAST CARIBBEAN CONFERENCE (ECC): Amid his tenure as Youth Director of the Caribbean Union Conference, Pastor Anthony Hall was elected in 2022 to lead the East Caribbean Conference after the retirement of Pastor Danforth Francis. Pastor Hall was elected to serve a second term in August 2025. He is a dynamic and gifted leader who is mobilizing the conference to fulfill the mission of the Church.
• GRENADA CONFERENCE (GRE): Pastor Enoch Isaac was elected as President of the Grenada Conference when Dr Clinton Lewis retired. Pastor Isaac is very experienced and is continuing the evangelistic exploits of the conference by motivating the pastors and lay people to share the good news of Jesus Christ.
• GUYANA CONFERENCE (GUY): Pastor Exton Clarke was elected to serve a second term. He continues to be an exceptionally strategic leader and is maintaining the reputation of the Guyana Conference being the largest and most productive conference of the union. He is successful at galvanizing local and international human and financial resources to enhance the growth of the conference.
• NORTH CARIBBEAN CONFERENCE (NCC): Pastor Wilmoth James was elected to lead the North Caribbean Conference after the retirement of Pastor Desmond James. He is an experienced and passionate leader who is continuing the strategic initiatives of his predecessor.
• SOUTH CARIBBEAN CONFERENCE (SCC): Pastor Leslie Moses was elected to serve the South Caribbean Conference as president for a third term in 2023. He is very versatile, whether preaching, counseling, or doing interim pastoral duties. He leads by example and has led the South Caribbean Conference in many impressive Impact Evangelistic programs with local, regional, and international presenters. The evangelistic campaign by Pastor Glen O. Samuels was a feature of the conference and made a major impact on the in-person and virtual audiences.
• SOUTH LEEWARD CONFERENCE (SLC): Dr Wayne Knowles, who is a remarkable transformational leader, was elected to lead the South Leeward Conference in December 2025, when Dr Carson Greene concluded his outstanding leadership of the conference. Having worked closely with Dr Greene, he continues the focus on the discipleship of all members to fulfill the mission of the Church.
• TOBAGO CONFERENCE (TOB): Pastor Vishnu Persad has the distinction of being the first President of the Tobago Conference. He was elected as the President of the Tobago Mission at the Constituency Meeting of the Caribbean Union Conference held from July 20 to 23, 2022. Subsequently, Pastor Vishnu Persad led the status change from Mission to Conference, at the regularly scheduled constituency meeting held from November 20 to 21, 2023. He is an innovative leader and is mobilizing the conference to fulfill its missiological objectives of planting more churches in new villages on the island.

PRESIDENTIAL RETREAT IN COSTA RICA

From August 18 to 22, 2024, the presidents of the Caribbean Union Conference, our spouses, administrative assistants, and some of their spouses attended a rewarding retreat in Costa Rica. The theme of this enriching experience was “A Legacy of Incarnational Leadership”.  We were privileged to have outstanding leadership and relational experts like Dr Lowell Cooper, a retired vice president of the General Conference, and his wife, Sister Rae Lee Cooper, and Dr Alanzo Smith, President of the Greater New York Conference, and his wife, Dr June Smith. The retreat allowed the attendees to explore the beauty of the country and benefit from the objectives as follows:

• To create the opportunity for spiritual renewal and revival.
• To facilitate the development of a greater bonding among the presidents.
• To hone the leadership skills of the participants.
• To understand the dynamics of teamwork and team building.
• To discover the importance of emotional intelligence to organizational effectiveness.
• To develop the capacity to build other leaders for future succession.
• To explore the relevance and importance of technology to leadership success.
• To enrich the marital relationships of the leaders to enhance intimacy and fulfillment despite the hectic lifestyle.
• To enhance the effectiveness of the administrative assistants.

STRATEGIC ISSUES 

These six strategic issues have influenced the operations of the Caribbean Union Conference, during the term under review.

• PERSONAL SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND MATURITY

There has been a plethora of Bible classes, camp meetings, Bible conferences, Back to the Altar prayer sessions, and even the Bible Connections youth initiative, which have enhanced the personal spiritual growth and maturity of many members. 

• CHURCH GROWTH AND CONSERVATION

Our main reason for being in existence as a church organization, is to fulfill the mission of the Church and faithfully obey the mandate of Christ to preach and teach the gospel to all the world. During this term, there was a multiplicity of programs and approaches to achieve this strategic objective. A comparison between the previous and present terms, as outlined in Table 1, reveals that accessions through baptisms decreased by 423 persons during the term under review. 

Table 1 CARU Accessions (Baptisms)
Term Under Review		Accessions (Baptisms)
2016-2020		19,739
2021-2025		19,316

In order to enhance the conservation of its members and create an environment for the growth of disciples, the Union elected the Discipleship and Nurture Committee (DNC), to facilitate the creation of a theological foundation and processes to motivate members to become dynamic disciples. The momentum that has been generated is very encouraging and progressive. The secretariat’s report provides a comprehensive analysis of all relevant data.

• IMPROVEMENT OF PASTORAL LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITY The ministerial leadership of the IAD, CARU, and respective fields have concentrated on the improvement of pastoral leadership and accountability; this has been a great need, especially as some pastors discontinued their ministry for different reasons. The provision of professional counseling services, focus on continuing education, financial support to pastors seeking to improve their academic, professional, and spiritual disciplines, and opportunities for wider organizational and ecclesiastical service, met some needs of the ministerial staff.

The Ministerial Retreat, hosted in the Dominican Republic in 2024, under the theme “Anointed”, was a resounding success. The spiritual, social, relational, and personal benefits were greatly appreciated by the ministers and our spouses.

• ENHANCEMENT OF EDUCATION, HEALTH, AND FAMILY LIFE

The Education Director, Dr Daphney Magloire, has continued to emphasize the value of Christian education, endorsing the great significance of the integration of faith and learning. The improvement of school plants and teaching staff, and greater financial support, made the education product more attractive and facilitated learning. The erection of new school plants in Dominica, St. Vincent, and Grenada must be applauded. The certification of principals, commissioning of teachers, and professional development of all stakeholders were achievements that continue to be celebrated. The Creation Classroom at the Pinehaven SDA Primary School, which was donated by the Inter-American Division Theological Seminary and Dr Efrain Velasquez, was a major achievement. 

Dr Alexander Isaacs and Pastor Ammaran Williams continue to impact the Health and Family Life Ministries within the Caribbean Union Conference.

• ENHANCEMENT OF PLANNING COORDINATION, STATISTICAL RECORDING AND DATA REPORTING, MONITORING, AND EVALUATION AND HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 

Pastor Johnson Frederick, Executive Secretary of the Caribbean Union Conference, prioritized this important strategic issue by bringing it to the forefront. The reconciliation of records maintained by conferences and missions is detailed in the secretarial report. The Advent Connect initiative that was championed by Pastor Johnson Frederick and his team, particularly Sister Onessa Hughes-Mitchell, has helped to strengthen the relationship of the members with Jesus Christ. Improvements to the Adventist Church Management System (ACMS) and the Employee Retirement System (ERS) platforms were also accomplished, during the term under review.

• FINANCIAL VIABILITY AND STEWARDSHIP 

As a result of ongoing global, regional, and local financial instability, it has become necessary to heighten awareness of the need for financial prudence and profitability. This strategic issue sought to strengthen the structures within the financial framework of each organization and institution, and to provide adequate stewardship education which encouraged members to be more faithful in our stewardship responsibilities that will be reflected in greater liberality. The Stewardship Director, Dr Gandalal Samlalsingh, has been phenomenal in enhancing the awareness of the constituency about the value of stewardship fidelity. The Holy Convocation, hosted throughout the fields of the Union, has been very effective in achieving the strategic goals. Pastor Bertie Henry, Treasurer of the Caribbean Union Conference, collaborated effectively with the Stewardship Director. The evidence of sacrificial giving by members, as outlined in Table 2, is reflected in a comparative analysis of the previous and current terms.

Table 2 Comparative Analysis of Tithe
Term Under Review	Tithe (Annual) TTD	Tithe (Monthly Average) TTD
2016-2020	$122,415,868	$24,483,174
2021-2025	$130,796,700	$26,159,340

There is a noticeable increase in tithe for this period under review, over the previous period. The lingering negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are steadily being alleviated, and this is reason enough to be grateful to God for His benefits and bounties through the fidelity and liberality of God’s stewards. We are delighted that there are resources to fulfill the mission of Christ and the Church.

PLANS AND RECOMMENDATIONS COMMITTEE

The report from the Plans and Recommendations Committee was comprehensive and complex. This is a necessary part of the constituency meeting, and it allows any delegate to contribute to the strategic direction of the Union. It should be noted that many of the recommendations require significant human capital and financial resources. The leadership of the Caribbean Union Conference has sought to address some of the recommendations and I submit that this list can still be relevant and useful. I also propose that in the future, greater consideration can be given to a more concise and strategic list of recommendations. I have given pertinent feedback on the selected recommendations.

 South Caribbean Conference, East Caribbean Conference, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Mission, and Grenada Conference:

1. That all departmental reports be sent to local churches to inform membership of the developments across the Union territories.  
2. To have greater emphasis on member retention and conservation. Proposed change in title from Assistant to the President for Evangelism to Assistant to the President for Evangelism and Retention. 

Response: The Executive Committee has selected the Discipleship and Nurture Committee, which has made significant progress in addressing this important issue.

3. To develop a committee to review the schedule and the programme for Union sessions for greater efficiency.

Response: This process is normally handled by the Inter-American Division, and we collaborate with them for greater efficiency.

4. To have a more intentional approach to conserve the younger generation (12-16) across the Union.  

Response: The Youth Ministry addressed this issue and developed the innovative program called YUTCAH which means “Youth United Through Christ Aiming Heavenward.” The Youth Ministry Director will give more details in his report.

5. To have Spanish-enabled programs and leadership to facilitate the increase of the Spanish-speaking persons.  

Response: There is significant progress in this initiative throughout the Union, especially in NCC, SLC, Tobago, and SCC.

Suriname Mission, Tobago Mission and Delegates-at-Large

1. To establish a committee at the Union level to look at Adventist education and address challenges and issues.  To facilitate more integration among schools at various levels.  The aim is to sell the Adventist education product as a premium-level product.  Develop a model to sell the product.

Response: The Director and the Board of Education have done an awesome job in advancing this initiative.

2. To place greater emphasis on church growth.

Response: This is ongoing.

3. To place greater emphasis on music and worship across the Union.

Response: This is done in many of the conferences and missions. At the union, it is still to be addressed, especially with the sourcing of the relevant person.

4. Establish a legal team at the Union level to give support to every field in cases of legal issues.

Response: The Union has its legal consultant, and the fields have their own legal representation.

5. To develop a collaborative approach to capital projects.

Response: This is the responsibility of the Corporation Board of conferences and missions.

6. To develop methods to sell Adventist education to the membership. Every member should embrace the SDA schools as their own.

Response: This is being encouraged by the Board of Education to all the boards of education of the fields.

7. Ministerial retreats should be conducted more frequently.

Response: The Union was very instrumental in supporting most of the ministers and their families in attending the ministerial retreat in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

8. Establish a department specific to technology; not as a part of communication.  Training should be included to develop software competence.

Response: This is a work in progress.

9. Establish a framework that governs the treatment of new believers. A step-by-step approach. 

Response: The Discipleship and Nurture Committee continues to work on this issue.

10. Create a database for current jobs across CARU.  To approach the respective government bodies to reduce the ‘red tape’ that persons have to go through to take up employment in other fields.

Response: The Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Director has directors in the fields to address this. 

Guyana Conference

1.   Establish cross-cultural integration.

Response: This is an ongoing objective that is being realized incrementally. The Mission Summit in May 2026 has enhanced this process.

2. Increase ministerial interns to five persons.

Response: As optimistic as this recommendation is, it is not possible to embrace it at this time.

3. Conduct feasibility studies and develop a plan of action to establish Berbice as a mission.

Response: This recommendation was not adopted and can be considered in the future as God directs.

4. Invest in a site to host evangelistic conferences.

Response: There are sites including USC and Oldbury Camp Site in Barbados

that are currently used for such a purpose.

5. That CARU gives study to a curriculum to integrate faith and learning in Adventist schools.

Response: This is already being done.

6. That CARU support the GUYC in establishing a USC campus in Guyana to allow students to complete their programmes in Guyana.

Response: This is still a work in progress.

7. To host a Ministerial retreat for all pastors at the Union.

Response: This was done in 2024.

8. To employ specialists to address the special-needs persons in churches and to provide material for special needs care. 

Response: The Possibility Ministry Director has done an outstanding job in addressing this issue, and there is a commitment to continue the process.

9. Establish a farming project in Guyana to create employment and to provide food produce for the region.

Response: This is yet to be achieved.

10. Establish a health foods store in Guyana.

Response: This initiative will have to be addressed by the Guyana Conference in due course.

11. Establish a centre for abused women and children in Guyana.

Response: This is a great strategic initiative and should be considered by the Guyana Conference.

North Caribbean Conference & South Leeward Conference

1.   To establish a retirement fund reform and to appoint a committee to work on the reform proposal.

Response: The concerns about the retirement fund are being addressed by the executive committee in collaboration with the Inter-American Division.

2. To build a framework where consideration is given for local fields to implement their own programmes according to needs and context within their area. 

Response: This concern has been communicated to the leaders and it is seen as an appropriate expectation.

3. To allocate more resources, finance and training for ministers.

Response: The Union is doing its best and encourages the fields to continue to do the same.

4. To establish an education scholarship to assist students in need.

Response: This can be a collaborative effort. The conferences and missions should accept this responsibility.

5. To develop strategies to attract and maintain quality teachers.  To allocate resources for teacher training.

Response: The Board of Education is working on this important issue.

6. To establish additional sites in the islands to facilitate completion of degrees at the extension sites and an expansion of virtual classes.

Response: This is an ongoing exercise. 

7. To invest in young pastors or individuals who have potential for ministry.  To fund their education.

Response: This should be a collaboration among the individual, family, church, conference/mission, and union.

8. That USC offers a degree in chaplaincy.

Response: There is a program at the Inter-American Division to achieve this objective. 

9. To adopt a revised approach to how the health message is promoted to make it more relevant and attractive.

Response: The Health Ministry is collaborating with the Inter-American Division to achieve this objective.

10. Conduct an assessment of the reasons why the Caribbean Union young people are leaving the church and devise a strategy for retention.

Response: This research is ongoing and will continue. 

11. To give more support for people groups and to foster cross-evangelism.

Response: This process continues.

12. That the IAD considers the establishment of an English-speaking division.

Response: This recommendation is not impossible but appears improbable. 

13. Establish and implement security measures across the fields.

Response: This recommendation is not very explicit; however, security is a priority for the Union, especially for the vulnerable.

14. Music director to be appointed across the CARU.

Response: The union does not have a music director; however, there are music directors in some of the conferences. 

15. Need for greater collaboration.

Response: This recommendation is being realized.  

CARIBBEAN UNION REVOLVING FUND

The Caribbean Union Conference is privileged to have the continued services of the Caribbean Union Revolving Fund (CURF). Its viability guaranteed the security of loans to churches and institutions at more favorable interest rates, and that the profits that were realized could remain within the organization. 

I am happy to report that the CURF Board, comprising some of our finest financial faculties, has glorified God and gratified the stakeholders. This service is accessible to all churches and institutions within the Caribbean Union, and the growing number of churches that have been dedicated during the term, is a testament to the viability, and importance of this service to the constituency.

IADPA MANAGEMENT

The management of the Inter-American Division Publishing Association (IADPA) bookstores continued during this term, with moderate results. Sister Clara Spengler, who functioned effectively as the IADPA representative to our territory, was recently elected as Vice President for Sales and Marketing.

The regional bookstore managers must be commended for their sterling service to the constituency. I wish them all the best in their future endeavours. They are as follows:

• Esther Isidore: Manager of the bookstores in St. Lucia, Dominica, Barbados, and St. Vincent. She has been promoted to IADPA representative to the English-speaking unions.
• Desiree Doyle: Manager of the bookstores in Antigua, St. Kitts, and Nevis.
• Phil Rogers: Manager of the bookstores on all the islands in the North Caribbean Conference.
• Gavin Huston: Manager of the bookstores in Guyana and Suriname.
• Margaret Chrysostom: Manager of the bookstores in Trinidad, Tobago, and Grenada.

INSTITUTIONAL LEADERSHIP

• • UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN: Under the outstanding leadership of Dr Colwick Wilson, the University of the Southern Caribbean experienced staff stability among its administrators, faculty, and support personnel, serving a diverse student body. Growth has been evident in its finances, operations, and results. The University is in celebration mode as plans are being finalized for the centennial celebration in 2027. The future looks promising as Dr Wilson continues to inspire his colleagues to go beyond excellence.

• COMMUNITY HOSPITAL: The Community Hospital has had a legacy of quality service to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, in particular, and the Caribbean region, in general. Dr Stephen Carryl has brought to the Community Hospital the breadth of his experience and expertise, acquired in his leadership and medical practice in the United States of America (USA). The support that the hospital is receiving from the Board of Trustees, which comprises local, regional, and international members, augurs well for its continued growth and professional services. We anticipate an improvement in support from the SDA membership, building on the strong support received previously.

• DAVIS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL: The Davis Memorial Hospital (DMH) in Guyana, continued to be managed by Sister Beverly Braithwaite-Chan with significant positive results. This hospital has experienced stability and growth during the term under review. The unity of the administrative leadership afforded significant strength to the team. The positive results speak of God’s providence, provision, and protection.

• CARIBBEAN HEALTH FOODS: The Caribbean Health Foods is managed by Brother Clifford Balgobin and is located on the campus of the University of the Southern Caribbean. It provides employment for members of the church, the community, and the student body. It continues to provide a vital service to the Caribbean territories and contributes to the health and wellness of its customers.

RETIREMENT

After many years of sacrificial service by some of our dedicated workers, they are now blessed with the opportunity to pursue other desires and aspirations, to the glory of God. I am at that stage and thank God for the honor and privilege to be used by Him. A detailed account of retirees is outlined in the comprehensive secretariat’s report. The following are among those who retired from active service during the term:

• Pastor Danforth Francis, East Caribbean Conference
• Pastor Dermoth Baptiste, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Mission
• Pastor Henry Snagg, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Mission
• Pastor Desmond James, North Caribbean Conference
• Dr Clinton Lewis, Grenada Conference
• Dr Hilary Bowman, Caribbean Union Conference

NECROLOGY 

During the period under review, there were seventy-two workers and retirees who expired. We thank God for their sacrificial service of love to Him and His Church. A detailed necrology account is outlined in the comprehensive secretariat’s report. However, I make special mention here of some of our colleagues who died.

• Dr Hilary Bowman, a retiree, met his demise in 2025. After his retirement, he was taken away from his family and us, when we were not prepared for such a crisis. His work in the office of education will always be remembered.
• Sister Nedra Edwards died in 2024, after a brief illness. She was such a warm, spiritual, and charming presence in our office. She is still missed.
• Sister Glenda Bowen died in 2025, after a brief illness. It was a painful loss of a wonderful worker of the Lord and the Women’s Ministries Director in the Grenada Conference. 
• Drs Roy and Shirley Mc Garrell passed away in the USA, while they were being cared for by their family members. Their legacy of love and compassion lives on.

APPRECIATION 

I offer profound gratitude to God for His protection and providence in allowing me to function as President of the Caribbean Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, for the past fifteen years. I express appreciation to my administrative colleagues for the great team that we forged and the wonderful fellowship that we enjoyed, in executing the various responsibilities under our jurisdiction. I have grown to admire your competence and capacity. I thank all the directors for the professional performances that you provided to Christ and His Church, and the generous support that you gave to me and the administrative team. 

I express heartfelt thanks to the office staff for the sacrificial service that you gave to Jesus Christ and His Church. I thank the organizational and institutional leaders for giving your best to the Master. Only heaven will reveal the full extent of your service.

I thank the members of the different committees and boards, who guaranteed that the work of the Church in the Caribbean Union Conference was accomplished. Thanks to those stakeholders who contributed properties and endowments to facilitate the strengthening of the work of the Church. I thank the members of the Union constituency for the wonderful support that you provided during the good and challenging times.

I thank the administrative assistant in the president’s office, Mrs. Faith Pustam Ramdath, who has provided outstanding support and has enhanced its efficiency. Her professionalism and enthusiasm added a positive presence to the office. 

I thank my family for believing in me and for challenging me to give my best at all times. The sacrifices that you made have been noted in heaven and I am wholeheartedly appreciative of all that you have done to help me to represent Jesus better. 

God’s precious gift to me, my dear wife Linda, is a blessing beyond words. For forty-three years you have helped me to grow and realize my potential as husband, father, pastor, director, and administrator at the conference and union levels. Your exhortation motivates me, your strength supports me, your love encourages me, your wisdom challenges me, your empathy warms me, your beauty charms me, your prayers comfort me, and your regard for my individuality and personality evokes reciprocation. 

CONCLUSION

Fifteen years ago, when I was asked to be president of the Caribbean Union Conference, I was overwhelmed by the awesome responsibility that was placed on my shoulders. Over the years, I have grown to trust God more, to believe more in the processes of the Church, to genuinely love the people of God, to wait on God’s providence, to respect the policies of the employing organization, and to appreciate the blessings and bounties that God has so graciously provided. 

I am grateful that I have been able to come to the end of my tenure with no regrets, but only gratitude. I choose to announce officially and formally that I will end my service at this session. It was my joy and pleasure to serve you.

One day, the final constituency meeting will be called and it will be time to receive the crown of life from our heavenly Master. Let us continue to give of our best to the Master because He has already given His best to us! Maranatha!