Adventist Youth Honors Answer Book/Outreach/Christian Citizenship (Antigua & Barbuda)

Christian Citizenship (Antigua & Barbuda)
Outreach General Conference	Skill Level 1
	Year of Introduction: 1938

Contents

1. Describe the national, state or provincial, AY, Pathfinder, and Christian flags.

National Flag: The 7 point golden sun of the Antigua & Barbuda flag represents the dawn of a new era. The colour red represents the life blood of slave forefathers and the dynamism of the people. Blue represents hope. Black represents, the soil and African heritage. The gold, blue & white represent Antigua's and Barbuda's tourist attractions; sun, sea and sand. The "V" formed by the red borders represent: "Victory at last."

Pathfinder Flag: The Pathfinder flag is made from one of several materials, cotton bunting, rayon, or nylon. The flag is divided through the center both vertically and horizontally making four equal parts. The background colors are royal blue and white alternately sewed together with the upper left hand comer being royal blue. The Pathfinder emblem is centered in the heart of the background. The colors are descriptive of the purposes and ideals of Pathfindering. White means purity, blue means loyalty, red reminds us of the shed blood of Christ (sacrifice), and gold means excellence. The symbols also have meanings. The shield is the protection of God, the sword is his word, the Bible, and the triangle represents completeness. Completeness of the Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), and completeness of the three parts of education (Mental, Physical, and Spiritual).

AY Flag: The background is red and white, red symbolizing the blood of Christ and white representing purity. In the center, there is a logo that has AY which means Adventist Youth and it has three angels meaning the 3 angels message.

Christian Flag: The "Christian Flag" is a white flag with a blue canton and a red cross in it. It was designed by Charles Overton in 1897 to represent Protestants of all denominations. The cross symbolizes the crucifixion of Christ.

3. Demonstrate how to fold and salute your national flag. Mention when and how it should be displayed.

Folding

1. Have two people stand on either end of the flag, holding a corner in each hand.
2. Fold the flag in half twice, length-wise.
3. Beginning at the red end, fold one corner into the opposite side of the flag, forming a triangle.
4. Repeat this triangular folding until only the top edge of the flag shows.
5. Tuck this end into the triangle.

Be sure to keep the flag from touching the ground while folding.

Flag Protocol

Some countries have added certain protocols into their law system while others prefer to have "guidelines" without civil or criminal consequences attached.

General guidelines:

General guidelines are accepted practically universally.

Much of the flag protocol is derived from common sense. That is, using it as a table cover or wrapping paper are inappropriate uses. It should be treated with respect. Many countries consider signing a flag disrespectful, adding a border would be more appropriate. Pinning or sewing items to a flag would also be ill advised.

On a mast or pole

The flag of honor, that is the nation's flag in most cases, is flown on the center mast if possible. It is also correct to fly the flag on its own right. To an observer it would be on the far left. If more than three flags are used, the proper position is as far left from the point of view of an observer. An additional flag may be placed on the right side, but is not necessary.

When two poles are crossed, the position of honor is the flag that ends on the left side from the point of view of an observer (the pole will therefore end on the right).

In a semicircle, the position of honor is the center. If a full circle is used outside an entrance to an arena or stadium, the position of honor is directly opposite the entrance. If used to line the walls of the arena, the flag should be placed directly opposite the entrance.

Hanging

When flown horizontally, as from a flag pole, the flag should be oriented so that the canton is closest to the top of the pole. If hung against a wall, the canton should be placed in the upper-left corner from the point of view of the observer.

When hung vertically, flags should be rotated so the canton is again closest to the top of the pole. If the flag is displayed against a wall, the canton should again appear in the upper-left corner, which incidentally requires that the flag be both rotated and 'flipped' from its horizontal orientation.

Other places

On a vehicle the flag should be affixed securely to the front right of the chassis.

When placed with a podium or at a place of worship the flag should be hang directly behind or on a pole to the right of the speaker, from the point of view of the audience.

When carried in single file the flag of honor leads.

Multiple flags

When flags of many nations are flown the flag of the hosting country should be placed on the left with the rest following in alphabetical order using the language of the host country.

4. Explain the meaning of and reason for the National Anthem, and recite the words from memory.

The National Anthem of Antigua and Barbuda “Fair Antigua and Barbuda.”

It was written by Novelle Hamilton Richards. Its music was composed by Walter Garnet Picart Chambers. Upon achieving statehood in the commonwealth in 1967, Antigua adopted the anthem "Fair Antigua, We Salute Thee", which has the same melody as the current anthem however with somewhat different lyrics. When full independence was granted in 1981, Antigua, now linked with Barbuda, adopted the current lyrics with the melody in use since 1967. It has three verses that represent the People’s Pledge of commitment, Call to duty and Prayer to God.

Antigua & Barbuda National Anthem

Verse One

Fair Antigua and Barbuda
We thy sons and daughters stand,
Strong and firm in peace or danger
To safe guard our native land.
We commit ourselves to building
A true nation brave and free.
Ever striving ever seeking
Dwell in love and unity.

Verse Two

Raise the standard! Raise it boldly!
Answer now to duty's call
To the service of thy country,
Sparing nothing, giving all;
Gird your loins and join the battle
'Gainst fear, hate and poverty,
Each endeavouring, all achieving,
Live in peace where man is free.

         
Verse Three

God of nations, let Thy blessings
Fall upon this land of ours;
Rain and sunshine ever sending,
Fill her fields with crops and flowers;
We her children do implore Thee,
Give us strength, faith, loyalty,
Never failing, all enduring
To defend her liberty.

5. Give the rights and responsibilities of a citizen of your country.

Rights

Every person in Antigua and Barbuda is entitled to the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual, that is to say, the right, regardless of race, place of origin, political opinions or affiliations, colour, creed or sex, but subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest. The citizens have the right to fully participate in the political system of the twin island nation. They have the right to change their government. Each citizen is entitled to free education and good health. Here are some of the rights enjoy by an Antiguan and Barbudan citizen:

• a. Freedom of Personal Integrity
• b. Freedom of Speech
• c. Freedom of Press
• d. Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association
• e. Freedom of Religion
• f. Freedom of Movement

Responsibilities

Each citizen of Antigua and Barbuda has the responsibilities to protect the rights and freedom of self but also that of his/her fellow citizens. He/she is responsible to respect the public’s interest. These are to include protection of one’s life, one’s conscience, one’s expression and one’s property. Each member of the working public are required to pay deductions according to salary scale.

6. Have an interview with a local, regional, or national official of your country, and learn about his duties.

It is generally easier to get a local official to agree to an interview, though it is often more exciting to interview a more prominent person. The interview can be accomplished during a club meeting, and multiple Pathfinders can ask questions. Invite your guest well ahead of time, and make sure everyone in the club is on time. A visit by an official would be a very good reason to have everyone in the club wear their class A uniforms. If desired, you can make up several questions ahead of time, writing them on index cards, and distributing them to the members of your club. But do not be so rigid as to not allow them to ask spontaneous questions. Having questions prepared ahead of time on index cards are a good way to get things rolling. Here are some suggested questions:

• Could you describe a typical day at work?
• What is the most difficult part of your job?
• What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?
• To whom do you report?
• How did you get your position? Were you elected, appointed, or hired?
• How should a young person prepare for a life of public service?

7. Write a one-page essay or give a two-minute oral report about a famous person in your country. Mention what he has done to gain his recognition.

This would be an excellent opportunity to present a worship during the opening exercises of a regular club meeting. Encourage your Pathfinder to choose a person they are personally interested in. If they cannot think of anyone themselves, have a list of suggested persons at hand and encourage them to choose from the list. Famous people might be historical figures, politicians, actors, sports stars, or anyone else. It would be preferable to choose a person who has been a positive influence on the country.

Although the requirement asks that you "mention what he has done to gain his recognition," this should not be interpreted as excluding women. Men are not the only famous people in a country.

Note that just because the requirement suggests that the famous person should be male (his recognition), the Pathfinder should in no way feel constrained to limit the selection to just men.

9. Describe what you can do as a citizen to help your church and country.

The best way to help either your church or your country is by getting involved. Edmund Burke, an English philosopher summed this up when he said "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

In your church, this means that you will show up for services on a regular basis. It also means you will support it with your tithes and offering, show up for business meetings, and not wait to be asked before you volunteer your services. If you see something that needs done, do it. If you do not have the skill to do it, or you think that you need permission first, talk to your pastor, an elder, deacon, or deaconess. Find your ministry!

For your country, it is much the same. Show up for public meetings, stay informed about the issues of the day, vote if you are eligible, and pay your taxes fairly and promptly.

12. Explain the meaning of this statement Jesus made in Matthew 22:21: "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's.

This verse teaches that governmental authority is to be respected, as long as it does not conflict with the moral obligations of being a Christian. Government serves a holy purpose; preserving social order, promoting the well-being of its citizens, and protecting their safety. If you believe that this does not apply today because you see the government as corrupt, you are urged to research the Roman government of the first century A.D. when these words were spoken by Jesus. Was Herod corrupt? Was Pilate just?