Deacon of the Catholic Church, Alvin Knight is of the opinion that four years is a long time to act in a position without an appointment.
He was speaking at the funeral ceremony last Friday of the late Marcella Powell, who served as Acting Permanent Secretary in the Minstry of Education before she passed recently.
“I want to say that, for me, four years is a long time to act without an appointment,” he stated. “But Marcella put in the long hours in spite of, she made the sacrifice in spite of. How many of us would grumble and say, they not appointing me so I’m not working. Your Christian value brothers and sisters, even if you have been persecuted, would call you to perform, sometimes even better then, that is staying awake.”
Knight went on to say that flowers are also due when one is still alive and Powell’s death should not go in vain.
“Let us not let Marcella’s death be in vain, let us use this opportunity to again examine ourselves and if the oil of our lamps is running low, now is the time before the Bride/Groom calls us, now is the time to fill it with oil,” Knight noted. “Oil of peace, oil of love, oil of integrity, oil of caring for others, especially the less fortunate and the marginalized. Let us fill our lamps with oil of honesty, oil that works for unity, not division, so if these brothers and sisters are running low let us quickly fill them before we are called…”
Knight pointed out that salvation is free but, “it is not cheap”.
“Marcella knew that and she did not compromise her Christian values even amidst persecution,” he said.
He stated that integrity should be the watchword of those who are awake.
“Integrity, no matter what the circumstances or the result, even if there is personal suffering, integrity is the watchword for those of us who are awake,” Knight explained. “A wrong is a wrong no matter who, no matter where, no matter how.”
He gave an example of what he was pointing out, noting “our political parties, if we are members of that political party and we see the party doing wrong. we should be brave enough with integrity to say that is wrong.”
“If we see our friends going down the precipice, we should be bold enough to stop them, stop him, stop her, that is not the way to go, that is not God’s way,” he remarked.
He explained further that staying awake with integrity means not stealing the employers time by coming in late and leaving early.
Powell died suddenly at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) on Tuesday November, 15 after complaining of feeling unwell.
She was 57 years old.
Hundreds attended the funeral which took place at the Roseau Cathedral Chapel. It was attended by President of Dominica, His Excellency Charles Savarin and his wife, former president Eluid Williams and his wife, teachers, students, staff of the ministry, government officials, leader of the opposition Lennox Linton, and other members of the opposition.
Bishop of Roseau, His Lordship, Gabriel Malzaire was the main celebrant along with many priest and deacons.
Powell was laid to rest at the Roseau Catholic Cemetery
“I want to say that, for me, four years is a long time to act without an appointment,” he stated. “But Marcella put in the long hours in spite of, she made the sacrifice in spite of. “ Are you insinuating that she died as a result of not being appointed to the position? Did she confided in you about that? What a strange comment to make, especially a funeral. Only in Dominica we could hear a comment like that. Politicizing the dead of a person. Did you know of her underlying medical condition? You have a responsible position in Dominica, so you should guard your words better, Sir.
So wait a minute. No government official attended Marcella Powell’s funeral? Eh las. That political thing is killing D’a slowly weee. The lady worked her a off day after day on an acting appointment for many years and is so the Government she worked for sent her off? And where is our PM now? Attending people funeral in Venezuela and Cuba. Eh las. RIP Marcella. God knows best.
A good woman, didluigent civil servant, and family woman is dead, and her death is used to create controversy?
What the FLACK is wrong with Dominicans?
Four years is nothing…As least she was an appointed public officer. There are teachers who have been teaching in excess of 8- 10 unappointed.
This man is just straight forward. you spoke your mind and i respect that. excellent speech and hope they react on it quickly.
4 years is a lot
mr knight there is a time and place for everything.this was neither the time nor the place.
R.I.P my lady.
Thank you Mr. Knight, the Catholic Church need to continue to speak out for the society, Jesus would have done the same. Be not afraid when there is injustice speak. Today few church leaders speak out for society. You are on the right tract. God will give you the strength and the Holy Spirit will give you the words to aughter, this was the right congregation. Thank you Sir.
Well said Alvin. Politics is killing the country they lady should have been appointed. May her soul rest in peace. Love you maso
Mr. knight you are absolutely right.. people put politics before God… It is had nowadays for people to
do Godly things… Right becomes wrong and wrong is right.
It is called a” fallacy of authority”.
it is like the parable of the good Samaritan…everybody is looking the other way, everyone is afraid to do the
right thing…or say the right things…
A lot of people in the public service suffer such a fate….
GOD IS GOOD
” As a man thinks with his heart so is he… proverbs 23:7″
http://www.tellthelordthankyou.com/blog/2014/10/5/1-john-420-how-can-you-love-god-whom-you-have-not-seen-and-hate-your-brother-and-sister-who-you-see-everyday
Mr. Knight I always admire you, but on Friday I was truly disappointed when you brought that appointment thing in your homily. The lady has past ; May her soul rest in peace.
But alas Alvin there is so much you do not know. I have been a victim of that same appointment thing through her so I know what I am talking about and trust me there are many many more who rather keep quiet cuz as I say the lady has already past. Let me say she had her people but…………………let it be
Well said sir. Well delivered message.
I commend deacon Knight for his bravery but we should not be surprised at the wickedness that goes on to those of us who do not say how great or almighty Skeritt and his administration are. Case in point, ex prime minister Pat John, ex minister of Government Mr. Rivierre, Gorden Henderson, and in recent times, the ex Attorney General, Mr. Pestina and ras Algie.
Is he Acting Deacon?
And Deacon Knight when you get a chance, tell dem people to stop promoting unqualified people over experienced and qualified others. To use the old adage, stop putting square pegs in round holes.
Can I get an amen?
Maybe there should be standard rules and orders on how long anyone can act in a vacant position without being appointed. It should be “not more than six months”, just as probation has a maximum six month duration.
If the lady was unfairly treated or even persecuted, not to worry. Karma is real. No citizen should feel abused or used by our public administration system. Our Government system is supposed to look after all citizens to the best of its ability.
We currently have another Government employee case in the public arena in the person of Gene Pestaina, former DPP. Given what has been made available to the Public this week via the media, the appropriate Government official should already have informed the Public of the Government’s position on the Pestaina matter. Does he qualify for pension? If yes, why does he have to grovel for it? If no, then why not?
It is a very sad day for Marcella Powell and her family.. While we regret her passing and extend our condolences to her family the issue raised by Alvin Knight should not be ignored . Marcella Powell’s life and work should impel us to do what is right regarding these unusually long periods of acting without a clear appointment.. That there may be unhealthy ulterior political motives behind this practice is shameful
I am too far away to have been present at Marcella Powell’s funeral. However I am moved at the words of Deacon Alvin Knight and compliment him accordingly.
I agree that four years is too long to be acting. She was competent and she should have been appointed at least after 6 months to one year.
Why is it necessary to have staff acting for that length of time when their performance is satisfactory? It makes no sense. It could give the staff a certain degree of complex. I hope Marcella’s passing will effect this change.
Marcella, in Heaven you will not be acting. Once you arrive in Heaven you will be a full-fledged Saint.
You have performed your obligation diligently. There is a reward in Heaven for people as you in addition to your godly traits.
God bless your soul dear one. He has called you home for your rest, seeing how hard you worked to fulfill your obligation with obedience, patience and respect.
May you rest in God’s glory and peace. RIP! Amen!
on point. i am 6 years in the system as a teacher. i give 100 percent and i will never beg for an appointment again because they are all turning me around like a dog chasing its tail. so i will do as my dear sister and work as i am doing it for my maker. he will reward me. and to the hundreds of teachers who are not being appointed even if you have sleepless nights. please listen to the brother’s words. let us do it with all our heart.
“It was attended by President of Dominica, His Excellency Charles Savarin and his wife, former president Eluid Williams and his wife, teachers, students, staff of the ministry, government officials, leader of the opposition Lennox Linton, and other members of the opposition.”
I view DNO as professional and as such I would expect protocol in your reporting. The fact that you mentioned the president, former president, students, teachers, the opposition leader, but did not mention Prime Minister Skerrit or Education Minister St. Jean by name, have me to conclude that they did not attend. Should that be the case, what a shame and disgrace unless they were very sick.
A young lady from the north died in an accident during the festival and Skerrit was on island. I know for a fact that that after the death he took his group to Malaysia , and requested that funeral was delayed till his return; Y did Marcella get same treatment since she was a PS?
Thank you Mr. Knight for speaking…
Alas 57 and not appointed hmm I remember PM raising that whole appointment issue some time ago.He said that people act for too long before being appointed. Can you imagine almost being ready to retire avec uo ca still act. what dedication eh
I wonder whether your action or inaction did not contribute to where Powell is today………….why were you soooooooooo quiet all along? are you trying now to heel your conscience? she will be a torment to all those who did this unforgivable wrong to her. God will vindicate this for sure.Enough IS Enough. We continue to pray honestly until GOD INTERVENE.
take care that some demi-god makes him swallow that persecution word
God also supports revolution against persecution and oppression. Whenever Gods people had enough they would revolt and God was always on their side. It is up to the persecuted to stand up or lay on their backs and keep taking lashes. I will go out my own way than to be someone else’s slave.
A friend of mine was “acting” in some capacity (for donkey years) on her job working for the government. She never made it to the BIG SCREEN; But still acting. I think she should have acted out long time and head to Hollywood.
I am in so much agreement with knight. She worked had despite her surroundings. I hope the next Permanent. Secretary will have a love and passion for Education like the late Ms. Powell. I hope that it would not just be about the money.
A deacon is the lower end of the Pastoral Scale. For a long while Mr. Knight, I have been saying whenever I hear you preach you touch my heart. If I was at that funeral you would have surely touched my heart. I hope the clergy would receive the blessings of the Holy Spirit and touch the majority of the hearts of their flock. That would make a big difference in our society.
Dominica is doomed,this is why all this evil is occuring,you all have placed a man as god,but time will tell.
Alvin. for Bishop of Dominica. opps! Then the Cathedral would never finish. Maybe Later.
Whenever the truth is spoken in Dominica their are those ready to disregard the messenger and that’s very disrespectful to say the lease, What he said is true why does any one have to be in an acting position for that length of time without making the person permanent it’s wrong , .So stop your nonsense.
BrP …this is no joke please, a serious matter and please stay focus. Hope you take time to go to church to pray for Dominica and Dominicans. A lady worked for years within the Government system and promoted to a position of authority, serving for years without an appointment, y God, where is the Public Service Commission, and the Minister. What ineptness is this.
I am happy to hear Deacon Knight raise this issue, in the spirit of loyalty, service and dedication. Governments must be accountability and our servants in high office, be it religious, politics or social work must help us the public address these issues of abuse on hard working people.
God Bless
How Did we get like That??? S.M.H.
Amen Brother Knight, Preach it Brother, we need a few more good Men like You, Right on point, An acting appointment is two Fold, one is like a gillotine hanging over the individual, to force survitidue, and the other, which in my opinion, is “BS”. the Person appointed receives more and equitable Pay. After working like she did, it baffles me to figuare why she and others like her are not appointed. Acting, like in Hollowwood, keeps ever one quiet, cause if you open your mouth we will not appoint you. Fair is Fair, and every one should sound off when a wrong is done regardless, weather. Red, Green, Blue, Black, or yellow. Mr Knight you probably started something Good, a move towards raising the voices of the people, for the voice of the people is the voice that counts, in my humble opinion. Thank you Sir! Who feels it knows it Lord.
LOOK what they did to the guys Joseph and Corriette at the disaster office after those guys worked their guts out while acting in their position for four years instead of appointing them they they shift them out of the disaster office arbitrarily and put in their stogies there what a shame!. A set of unchristian and wicked fellars that .
What is so good about him? These hypocrites know all the wrong things taking place in Dominica but only choose to say something when it affects their family and friends. As a deacon he should be standing on the sid side of all those being victimised by skerit. Has he ever said a word about the workers of public works? I have never heard a word from him in support of Vescott Jones getting his job back. So what is so good about him?
Mr. Night great word is advise for us to ponder on .
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OMG Four years without appointing her, St.Jean is heartless. Look hypocrisy.
Very thoughtful words from Mr. Knight.
Good Christian message in the piece.
Finally some are beginning to speak up, some are beginning to see the light. We should hang our heads in shame. Slowly but surely.
this wicked govt and their cronies av ppl acting for life. we in Hollywood 10, 12, even 15 years without appointment. wicked set of good for nothing