Evangelist Richie – By Deslyn A Joseph
Evangelist Richie Issues Spiritual
Retired police officer Decastro Richards, also identifying as “Evangelist Richie,” has issued a scathing moral and spiritual critique of the nation’s political leadership.
Richards focused his address on the Prime Minister’s leadership style, challenging the notion that colleagues should be encouraged to “enrich themselves”, doing it creatively. He argued that true leadership requires leading from the front with integrity, rather than offering conditional support based on whether public officials are caught in wrongdoing.
“It is wrong to tell your colleagues to enrich themselves but don’t get caught,” Richards stated. “The colleagues can’t tell you that they’re wrong, but I’m not afraid to tell you that you’re wrong. It is wrong in the sight of God,” he stated.
Drawing parallels to the biblical account of John the Baptist, Richards warned that standing up to authority is a moral necessity, regardless of the consequences. He cautioned those in power that they would eventually face a “reward” from a higher authority for condoning such practices.
The retired officer also turned his attention to the young men of Antigua and Barbuda, urging them to recognize their intrinsic value beyond material goods or temporary political incentives. He criticized the perception that the youth can be satisfied with “a few hundred dollars in the pocket and a car … full of gas”.
“I want to say to you young men of Antigua, don’t you think that you’re much better than that? You’re more valuable than that,” Richards pleaded. He further cautioned the general electorate against being persuaded by “a ham and turkey” or promises of land, noting that every person is eventually guaranteed six feet of earth, referring to the finality of death.
Despite his sharp criticism of the current administration, Richards maintained that his intervention was not based on party affiliation but on a desire to “call a spade a spade”. He emphasized that he was not instructing citizens on which specific party to support, but rather how to approach the ballot box.
“I’m not telling you not to vote UPP. I’m not telling you not to vote ABLP,” he clarified. “What I’m saying to you is, before you cast your franchise, contact the Lord Jesus Christ, and He will tell you exactly what to do.”
Richards is urging voters to seek spiritual guidance and repentance before exercising their constitutional rights on Election Day, asserting that the future of the country depends on a morally- grounded electorate.
