Reid family a no-show at church

They were released from lock-up on bail last week, but there were no signs yesterday of former Education Minister Ruel Reid; his wife, Sharen; or their daughter, Sharelle, seeking blessings at the Mona Heights Chapel in St Andrew, where the family worships.

The trio, along with head of the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) Professor Fritz Pinnock and Kim Brown Lawrence, councillor for the Brown’s Town division in St Ann, were arrested early Wednesday morning in simultaneous pre-dawn police operations and later slapped with corruption charges.

At yesterday’s service, food for thought, including excerpts from Psalm 145, was embedded in pamphlets distributed to congregants, noting that desires and conduct in positions of authority must align with what God wants.

“There is nothing wrong with desires; they motivate us to achieve great things. But not all of your earnings come from God. Do you hope for a position of authority to be in control? Longing for personal advancement in order to manipulate others reveals a lack of integrity, whereas a Godly person craves righteousness. Do you dream about wealth and fame? Perhaps there is a void in your spirit, but only God can meet the insatiable needs of the human heart. Whatever you do, don’t take matters into your own hands and go after what you want. There is always a high price to pay for rebelling against God,” the pamphlet read.

Speaking with The Gleaner after the service, an elder explained that a meeting scheduled for yesterday afternoon would determine the path the church would take in its future relationship with the Reid family.

“You are a little bit early,” the elder told The Gleaner.

“We need to have the meeting before we speak on the issue. We think it is fair to do so. Perhaps during the course of this week [you’ll get an update].”

Added the elder: “It is hard to be sure of the mood of the church. We don’t gather except on Sundays, so to pick up the whole mood is not possible yet. Yes, [counselling for the family] has been happening, but in terms of word to the press from our church, we want to wait.”

All five persons charged are scheduled to return to court on January 23, 2020.