St John’s Antigua – The West Indies Cricket Board offers its support to the people of Pakistan as the country battles to recover from floods which have caused death, destruction to homes and property, and have left millions of people without shelter and other basic needs.
Dr Julian Hunte, President of the WICB, in a message to the Pakistan Cricket Board on Wednesday, offered support and sympathy to the people of the Asian nation during this very challenging period.
Dr. Hunte said: “We feel hurt as we have watched on television and followed on the internet, the magnitude of the destruction and devastation caused to the people of Pakistan, by the recent floods. As a member of the international cricket fraternity, we in the West Indies are very concerned about the health and safety of our brothers and sisters in Pakistan following what has been a massive humanitarian tragedy. The WICB and the PCB have had a long and fruitful relationship for many years and we want to assure them than they have our full support in this dark time.”
Dr Hunte added: “In an effort to see how best we can assist, the WICB will contact the PCB hierarchy to examine how we can work together. The Pakistani cricketers are due to visit the West Indies next year for a full tour, under the ICC Future Tours Programme, so this visit will offer an opportunity to assist in a meaningful way. Cricket is a global game which bridges many gaps and forges great friendships and we at the WICB extend a hand of comfort to our friends in Pakistan.”
Official reports indicate that more than 14 million people have so far been affected by the flooding, which began late last month in the wake of heavy monsoon rains. As many as 1500 deaths have been reported.
We, in Canada are also saddened by the Pakistan flood catastrophe with numerous lives and property lost which also is causing hardship for millions of these nationals.
Every country has good and bad residents. Innocent children and adults will also suffer along with the non-innocent ones.
Our Lord Jesus Christ said: Matthew 5:46 – “For He (His/our Heavenly Father) makes his sun to rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.”
As I heard and read through Media reporting, the Pakistani government has been accused of being on both sides, the US and the Talibans/Alqaeda and that it is a corrupt government. The US government of all has aided Pakistan, pouring millions of its taxpayers dollars to assist it to eradicate terrorism. It appears that Pakistan has not been effective or probably did not even try. This leaves the speculation, does this government really care?
Have you heard of and/or read this? Christians have been persecuted and murdered in Pakistan. No exception India, Africa and Turkey where there is a predominant Muslim polulation.
Recently, prior to the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Turkey, a Bishop in Turkey was murdered by his Muslim driver. After he murdered the Bishop he went on either the roof top of the Bishop’s residence or on his balcony and proclaimed: “I killed the infidel. Allah be praised.”
Also, prior to a recent airplane crash which killed approximately 165 people in Pakistan and prior to the flooding, I read via a reputable Website that two Pakistani men – in Pakistan – converted to Christianity. Obviously, their Muslim counterparts were not pleased. These two men were brought before a Pakistani Court. The judge ruled in their favor and acquitted them. As they left the courthouse, both of them were shot and killed. Give this a good thought.
Our Lord said: “Vengeance is Mine. I will repay.” Knowing this, as always, I told myself, patience and as time takes care of all, in God’s time, it will eventually tell for their murderers and Christian persecutors and that they will bring down the wrath of God on their country and nationals. Little do these people know the harm they are doing to themselves, to their nationals and their country.
A poll was taken on a Website. The question: “Will you donate to Pakistan, etc.? The majority of the people indicated: “NO!” Therefore, the majority of Canadians, as individuals, are not in favor of donating.
The Federal government has already donated a few millions of dollars to Pakistani. This is due to taxpayers who contribute to the revenue of this country.
This government stated that it will match dollar for dollar as was done for Haiti. Canadians are extremely generous people. They may be cash-strapped, having their own personal financial obligations and consistently donating to countries which are damaged, by hurricanes, floods and other disasters. In addition, being aware of the corrupt Pakistani government and what is occurring in that land and against Christians, there are some who may not be interested i donating. Do not blame them. Frankly, I would prefer donating to Haiti which I did rather than Pakistan for the reasons cited. In any case, the Canadian Federal government has already donated on behalf of Canadians through their very own hard-earned dollars.