A HIGH Court judge has urged voters to be guided by their spiritual values when they cast their vote to choose the nation’s leaders.
Justice Frank Seepersad gave the advice during his Holy Week sermon at the Penal Presbyterian Church on April 16. He reminded worshippers that Jesus’s model of leadership involved humility, obedience, and service – abandoning divine privilege to serve humanity.
In his sermon, which focused on the spiritual and national significance of the season, Seepersad urged the congregation to consider Pilate’s role in the Easter story as a cautionary example of poor leadership.
“We are also reminded that leadership requires the effecting of difficult decisions and personal sacrifice. Is there any decision more difficult than the sacrifice of one’s spotless life so that others would be freed?
“At this time in our country, many citizens are concerned as crime is out of control and our energy security is now compromised due to the decision to terminate the OFAC (US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control) licence which would have facilitated the Dragon gas deal.
“In less than two weeks, we go to the polls and citizens will democratically elect a leader and government who will be tasked with the mandate to navigate the turbulent waters which confront us.
“As this democratic right is exercised, as believers we should remember that Jesus has shown us what good leadership looks like, as He gave His heavenly princedom, humbled Himself, became human and followed the will of His father as He sacrificed His life so that we may have life and have it more abundantly.
“His was a life of selfless sacrifice and service,” Seepersad said. He urged the congregation not to betray democracy by accepting bribes and incentives to vote.
“Your vote is not a tradable commodity and it is not owned by anyone. If someone tries to buy your vote you should feel enraged so you must be practical and measured as you determine who will serve you best at this moment in time.”
He expressed concern about the intention of some aspirants, saying, “Far too many who want power and authority are fuelled by their naivety and vaulting ambition, but they neither have a deep desire to serve nor do they want to assume all of the responsibility which comes with the position.”
Seepersad reminded that humility was a hallmark trait of a good leader, adding, “We must now survey our landscape and identify those who truly understand the needs of the citizenry.
“We must focus upon the proposed plans and policies which prioritise the common good of the masses above the insular interests of the powerful and the privileged.”
He said, “It is important, then, for us to remember that we deserve leaders who display a true sense of compassion and who, by virtue of their experiences and actions, have displayed that they truly care about the welfare of all people, especially the disenfranchised and destitute.
“Our focus should be upon the election of servant leaders, men and women who show compassion, who empower othe
