In a historic move, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has declared May 21 as National Spiritual Baptist Day, marking it as a public holiday. This decision places the nation alongside just one other Caribbean country in officially recognizing the Spiritual Baptist faith with a dedicated national holiday.
The legislation, which passed unanimously in Parliament, received strong bipartisan support, underscoring the significance of the occasion. Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves hailed the passage of the Bill as a crucial step in correcting an “historic wrong,” acknowledging the decades of persecution endured by the Spiritual Baptist community during the colonial era.
The origins of this struggle trace back to October 1, 1912, when the colonial government enacted the Shakerism Prohibition Ordinance, effectively criminalizing the practice of the Spiritual Baptist religion. For over fifty years, adherents faced severe repression until the legal ban was finally lifted on March 22, 1965, by the Legislative Council led by E.T. Joshua.
However, the date of May 21 holds particular significance for the Spiritual Baptist community. On this day in 1951, they achieved a landmark victory in the courts, successfully challenging the oppressive laws, with former Premier Robert Milton Cato representing them. This day has since been celebrated as Liberation Day by the faithful.
The struggle for recognition continued into the 21st century. On March 28, 2002, Parliament passed the Spiritual Baptist (Official Recognition of Freedom to Worship Day) Act, formally acknowledging the faith’s right to worship.
The establishment of National Spiritual Baptist Day not only honors the resilience of this religious community but also serves as a poignant reminder of the long and painful journey toward freedom and recognition.
