Speak The Word Ministries International

13/03/2026

Dominica: One of the few islands that can feed itself

I have flown into Dominica more than 70 times as a pilot, and I have vacationed there over 15 different times. It is one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, with some of the warmest and most genuine people on earth.

While most of us eat food out of a can most domician eat from the earth giving them a complete diffrent life.

While Dominica’s airport infrastructure (2026) is not yet as advanced as some other Caribbean destinations, the island possesses something far more valuable—self-sufficiency and natural resources. They can feed them during a crisis.

If global conflicts, such as the war between Iran and Israel/ United States in the Middle East, were to disrupt food supply chains, many islands that rely heavily on imports would struggle. Dominica, however, is different. The island has long been known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” and for years it has produced and supplied agricultural products throughout the region.

Unlike many Caribbean islands that import most of their food, Dominica grows much of what it eats. Its fertile volcanic soil, abundant rainfall, and strong farming culture allow the island to remain resilient.

Dominica is also known for its remarkably high number of centenarians per capita, a testament to the island’s healthy environment, natural food, and simple way of life.

In many ways, Dominica stands as an example of sustainability and independence in the Caribbean. With its natural resources, agricultural strength, and resilient people, Dominica is well positioned to feed itself for many years to come.

The last shall become the first!

Pastor Skepple
Speak the Word Ministries
St. Croix, US Virgin Islands

12/03/2026

Who Should Possess Guns in the U.S. Virgin Islands?

The debate over gun ownership in the United States Virgin Islands continues to grow as communities struggle with rising gun violence. We are making changes so we can reduce gun violence. As recents as February 2026, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. proposed the "Second Amendment Rights and Public Safety Act" to overhaul local gun laws, responding to federal lawsuits and supreme court guidance.

While the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees the right of citizens to keep and bear arms, this right also comes with responsibility and regulation—especially in a small community like the Virgin Islands.
We have what I call hot-spots on St. Croix that has repeatly had gun violence.

Some Law-abiding citizens who follow the law deserve the right to legally possess fi****ms. Responsible gun ownership means going through the proper licensing process and ensuring that every firearm is registered with the Virgin Islands Police Department. Registration and background checks are important safeguards that help keep weapons in the hands of responsible individuals rather than criminals.

Unfortunately, one of the biggest problems facing the Virgin Islands is the growing black market for fi****ms. Illegal gun trafficking has become widespread, allowing individuals to purchase weapons without registration, background checks, or oversight. These unregistered fi****ms are often used in violent crimes across the territory.

We should have dedicated task force that only track unregistered firearm in our Territory.

Statistics and law enforcement reports consistently show that most gun crimes are committed using illegal and unregistered weapons, not fi****ms owned by citizens who legally register their guns. This highlights a critical issue: the problem is not simply legal gun ownership, but the uncontrolled flow of illegal weapons into the community.

For this reason, stronger enforcement against the black market and stricter penalties for illegal gun possession are essential. Ensuring that all fi****ms are properly registered with the Virgin Islands Police Department helps authorities track weapons and hold individuals accountable.

The goal is not to take away the constitutional rights of responsible citizens. Instead, the focus should be on protecting communities by preventing illegal guns from circulating freely. Law-abiding residents should have the ability to defend themselves and their families, but those who carry unregistered weapons and participate in the black market must face serious consequences.

Addressing gun violence in the Virgin Islands will require a balanced approach: respecting the rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment while strengthening enforcement against illegal fi****ms. Only then can the territory begin to reduce gun violence and create safer communities for everyone.

Pastor Dexter Skepple
Gun Violence Prevention

07/03/2026

Join us!

07/03/2026

03/03/2026

Speak The Word Ministries International Welcomes Lieutenant Governor and Senator Novelle Francis

By Tiniqua Knowles

On a spirit-filled morning at Speakthe Word , the congregation gathered not only for worship but for a moment of reflection, unity, and community engagement. The presence of Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach and his running mate, Senator Novelle Francis, brought a sense of civic connection to the sanctuary, reminding those in attendance that leadership and faith communities can meet on common ground.

The visit was marked by humility and purpose. Senator Francis addressed the congregation with heartfelt remarks about the growing mental health challenges affecting the Virgin Islands. He spoke candidly about the emotional strain families continue to face from economic stress to trauma, grief, and the lingering effects of natural disasters and the pandemic. Mental health services in the territory remain limited, with shortages of providers and resources often leaving residents without timely care. Francis emphasized that strengthening mental health support systems must be a priority and shared his commitment to advancing policies and resources aimed at improving access to care, reducing stigma, and supporting families in crisis.

Lieutenant Governor Roach followed with brief remarks grounded in gratitude and resilience. He thanked Speak The Word Ministries for welcoming him and expressed appreciation for the warmth and unity present in the congregation. He reflected on the importance of remaining grounded despite criticism and public scrutiny, noting that leadership requires strength of character and faith in purpose. He shared that he strives not to allow public opinion to define him, but instead to remain focused on service and integrity.

The spiritual message of the morning, delivered by Pastor Dexter Skepple, echoed these themes. His sermon urged the congregation to resist becoming consumed by negativity and distraction. Instead, he encouraged members to center their lives on positivity, faith, and purposeful living. In a time when public discourse is often marked by division and discouragement, his message served as a reminder that hope and forward thinking are essential tools for both personal and community growth.
The intersection of faith, leadership, and social responsibility was evident throughout the service. Churches in the Virgin Islands have long played a central role beyond spiritual guidance serving as places of refuge, community organizing, disaster recovery support, and emotional healing. The discussion of mental health within a church setting highlighted the growing recognition that emotional wellness is inseparable from spiritual and community wellbeing.

As the service concluded, congregants left with more than inspiration; they departed with a renewed sense of connection to their faith, their leaders, and one another. The morning served as a reminder that progress is built not only in legislative halls but also within the spaces where community voices gather, heal, and hope together.

Speak The Word Ministries did more than welcome public officials today it fostered a moment of unity, compassion, and renewed commitment to strengthening the Virgin Islands from the inside out.

03/03/2026

03/03/2026

Speak The Word Ministries International Welcomes Lieutenant Governor and Senator Novelle Francis

By Tiniqua Knowles

On a spirit-filled morning at Speakthe Word , the congregation gathered not only for worship but for a moment of reflection, unity, and community engagement. The presence of Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach and his running mate, Senator Novelle Francis, brought a sense of civic connection to the sanctuary, reminding those in attendance that leadership and faith communities can meet on common ground.

The visit was marked by humility and purpose. Senator Francis addressed the congregation with heartfelt remarks about the growing mental health challenges affecting the Virgin Islands. He spoke candidly about the emotional strain families continue to face from economic stress to trauma, grief, and the lingering effects of natural disasters and the pandemic. Mental health services in the territory remain limited, with shortages of providers and resources often leaving residents without timely care. Francis emphasized that strengthening mental health support systems must be a priority and shared his commitment to advancing policies and resources aimed at improving access to care, reducing stigma, and supporting families in crisis.

Lieutenant Governor Roach followed with brief remarks grounded in gratitude and resilience. He thanked Speak The Word Ministries for welcoming him and expressed appreciation for the warmth and unity present in the congregation. He reflected on the importance of remaining grounded despite criticism and public scrutiny, noting that leadership requires strength of character and faith in purpose. He shared that he strives not to allow public opinion to define him, but instead to remain focused on service and integrity.

The spiritual message of the morning, delivered by Pastor Dexter Skepple, echoed these themes. His sermon urged the congregation to resist becoming consumed by negativity and distraction. Instead, he encouraged members to center their lives on positivity, faith, and purposeful living. In a time when public discourse is often marked by division and discouragement, his message served as a reminder that hope and forward thinking are essential tools for both personal and community growth.
The intersection of faith, leadership, and social responsibility was evident throughout the service. Churches in the Virgin Islands have long played a central role beyond spiritual guidance serving as places of refuge, community organizing, disaster recovery support, and emotional healing. The discussion of mental health within a church setting highlighted the growing recognition that emotional wellness is inseparable from spiritual and community wellbeing.

As the service concluded, congregants left with more than inspiration; they departed with a renewed sense of connection to their faith, their leaders, and one another. The morning served as a reminder that progress is built not only in legislative halls but also within the spaces where community voices gather, heal, and hope together.

Speak The Word Ministries did more than welcome public officials today it fostered a moment of unity, compassion, and renewed commitment to strengthening the Virgin Islands from the inside out.

15/02/2026

Why Gun Violence Persists in Virgin Islands

• Easy access to weapons: Firearms—real guns, pellet guns and even improvised “ghost guns”—flow into our territory through black-market sales and unmonitored outlets. Kids as young as eight are being introduced to weapons by older relatives or neighborhood cohorts.

• Traumatized communities: Routine gunfire, domestic disputes turned violent and neighborhood shootings leave many residents perpetually on edge. Chronic stress and fear fuel a cycle of anger and potential retaliation.

• Moral and cultural decay: When “if they hit you, hit them back” evolves into “if they hit you, shoot them,” conflict resolution has broken down.

Lyrics glorifying violence, social-media feuds and disrespect for life have seeped into everyday norms.
• Educational gaps: High dropout rates leave many youths idle, frustrated and vulnerable to delinquency. Without a solid academic foundation or supportive adults, young people drift toward destructive behaviors.

• Untreated mental-health needs: Anxiety, depression and trauma often go unaddressed. Without access to counseling or safe spaces for emotional release, individuals may resort to guns to express or control their pain.

Pastor Dexter Skepple
Gun Violence Prevention

12/02/2026

https://youtu.be/GNlSFeLp3GM?feature=shared

GUN VIOLENCE DEXTER SKEPPLE AND JULIAN "THE HAWK" JACKSON 2 11 2026