French Quarter: --- Renowned Gospel Singer Gerry Thompson who arrived on St. Martin on Friday afternoon held a one on one clinic at the Caribpro office in French Quarter this morning (Saturday). Several families were waiting in the packed business center to get their chance to speak with the man who once lived on the streets. Thompson is scheduled to visit the Pointe Blanche House of Detention on Sunday morning where he would share his own story and witnessed to the many youths that are incarcerated at the facility. The three day event was organized by the Association Woman's After God's Own Heart and La Voix Fm 101.5Fm.
In an interview with SMN News Association President and host Brenda Alexander said she had a calling from God to bring in Thompson before the end of this year after seeing what was happening to the island's youths. She said when she got the vision the association did not have one cent to pull off the event but the people of St. Martin wanted this event more than the organizers because they pledged their monies during a radiothon which she organized. The cost of the concert exceeded $10,000 which is already covered even though some of the people who pledged did not live up to their promise.
"I have been in contact with several youths and when I see and hear their stories I realized that these youths need someone that has been there to inspire them. And after hearing Gerry's story I know he is the ideal person." Alexander said.
The Association will be brining back Thompson to St. Maarten where they would seek to hold a concert on the Dutch side. The intention is to also do a Caribbean Tour with Thompson and the Association said Alexander. Even though Thompson has agreed to come back to the Antilles there is no fix date set as yet.
Alexander who has a 19 year old son is calling on all parents and youths to come out to the concert for a spirit fill revival.
St. Martin cannot enter the new year on the same trend as last year where several youths lost their lives to crime and drugs said Alexander, reason why she made sure she pulled off the event before the end of 2008.
She is calling on everyone to reflect on what the island and its youths have been through this past year and decide if that is what they want for the island and its youths.
Participating in the organizing of the event is Territorial Councilor Noreen Brooks.
