Rev. Claire Robinson is the first female and first Turks and Caicos Islander to be installed as Bishop/President of the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Island District Conference of the Methodist Church of the Caribbean and the Americas. An induction service was held at Wesley Methodist Church on Sunday.

The service was attended by dignitaries from The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands led by Bahamas Governor General, Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Cynthia Pratt; Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam; Acting Prime Minister of The Bahamas, the Hon. Chester Cooper and Turks and Caicos Islands Premier, the Hon. Charles Washington Missick.

During his remarks Mr. Missick told Rev. Robinson, “your journey has been marked by steadfast faith and tireless dedication. Today, we affirm not only your calling but also the promise of what God will accomplish through you. We pray that your leadership will continue to be rooted in Christ’s love.”

Acting Prime Minister Cooper offered congratulations and thanks to Bishop Robinson for her service to mankind and assured that The Bahamas stands with her.

Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam said, “Bishop-Elect Robinson, we are confidence that your leadership will be marked by courage, compassion and wisdom. May your ministry ignite the hearts of a new generation, strengthen the communities in your care and deepen the faith of all those your are called to shepherd.”

Her Excellency Dame Cynthia Pratt also delivered remarks. She said Rev. Robinson’s mandate is clear. “You take on the mantle at a very interesting juncture in history of both our countries and it is best described in the words of the song Rescue The Perishing.”

Esther Joy Mathilda Sargent, who was installed as Vice President of the conference, outlined the goals for the organization. “My goal is to ensure that we, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Conference of the MCCA as a part of this community will follow through to ensure that these areas are thoroughly explored to make the MCCA in general and BTCIC in particular more Christ centered, highly visible and definitely a self sustaining church.”