City Of Hamilton Appoints Spiritual Advisor
[Updated] The City of Hamilton announced the Board Members have passed a resolution making provision for Elder Kevin Santucci to be recognized as the organization’s formal spiritual advisor.
Making the announcement was Deputy Mayor and Alderman, Donal Smith, who stated, “Elder Kevin Santucci is available to provide spiritual counsel to anyone in need at the City of Hamilton; staff, management and board members.
“This service can be used at the individual’s discretion and is not mandatory.”
Mr. Smith added, “Elder Santucci is a bible instructor for the East End Seventh Day Adventist Churches and Presiding Chaplain for the Department of Corrections East End.
“The Board feels it is important to have a spiritual advisor, should the need for guidance and support arise. We look forward to working with Elder Santucci.”
Update 9.55am: We asked the City whether this was a paid or voluntary position, and they said it was voluntary.
WTF?
Is this a paid position?
Is the CoH now picking their favourite cults? Sucks if you’re Anglican, or Catholic or Jewish or Muslim etc.
I wonder what his “guidance” will be when it comes to deciding the location of those casinos?
What on earth is their reasoning for getting involved in religion?
And so beginneth the squandering of the Corporation’s hard-earned budget surplus.
How long before the corporation starts raising taxes or goes into debt.
Very quickly I imagine, as the actual tax payers have been disenfranchised
I was always under the impression the spiritual adviser for Hamilton was Bill , as in Dollar Bill .
Doesn’t the 7th day adventist cult believe in no alcohol and no meat? Can’t wait to hear those liquor license applications?
And opening on Saturdays? Forget about it. In fact CoH workers should be able to leave early of Friday afternoon shouldn’t they?
Is this just a way to transfer money to an unemployed family member?
He is there as an advisor not to convert anyone.The choices that the CoH will make will be their choices and not Elder Santucci’s choices.Some people are always ready to make negative comments.
Thinking the same thing. they talk before thinking or knowing the facts
This was a stupid comment…knowledge is power. Read sometime.
Um… Isn’t that what they have church’s for? God my country is confused.
Oh and please lock up d money,as we all know how evil those SDA ares!!
We don’t NEED ANYONE’S MONEY THANK YOU.He isn’t there for the MONEY either.What are you doing to make a difference in this island?
Voting OBA!
This is an ignorant comment!!!
What a f*#@^$% load of s*#t!
Mr Santucci is actually a good man and will not judge you on religion, the way you eat, etc. I’m not an sda….
I would also like to know how this service is being renumerated or maybe it’s free?!?!
Free? hahahahaha
Wtf? Didn’t take long before we ended up with faith based bollocks again.
WTF, this is just plain old WRONG!!
WHAT-A-JOKE. Its not even April 1st yet! Guess Ouji boards at lunch are next to run the CoH.
I guess the COH couldn’t afford to send staff to EAP…or they decided to put Mr. Santucci on retainer instead. What a joke. A spiritual advisor for the Board and staff.
The comments posted simply speak volumes to the depths of stupidity that run loose in this country! Elder Santucci is simply providing guidance and counsel to Corporation members IF THEY WANT TO TALK TO HIM. It is not mandatory nor is he being paid for the service. Get a real gripe and then rant, idiots!!
Yng Black Mind
(those who know understand)
Thanks for your POSITIVE reply.Some people are always so ready to JUDGE instead of helping or encouraging others.
What sh@t. This is frikkin stupid. They’re supposed to be running the city. What a bunch of idiots we have in charge these days.
What a bizarre move – I am sure that Elder Santucci is a solid spiritual leader, but what business does any employer have to influence the spiritual preferences of its employees. Employers are generally expected to make available to employees independent counseling for all manners of personal difficulty. In other countries with a more advanced civil society, such interference with employee’s freedoms would be the source of lawsuits and public protest.
Meh.. its a bit odd, but if its a voluntary service then what the heck, go for it..
As for those worrying about religous issues, thats why he is a “Spiritual” advisor… This is not about bible teaches/etc… spritual counseling is simply one that can use spiritual natured thoughts instead of scientific “here’s what you think, here’s why, heres what to do”…
Think of it as general feelings..loose emotion/etc.. I’m not a believer in faith but talking to a priest about issues has a very calming effect at times, even when they know where i stand on religion. Its just a warm voice to converse with.
Ignorant Comment…
@Yng Black Mind
Im in agreement with your commment. Funny thing is when we need to rant and rave for REAL ISSUES..no comments
GET A LIFE BERMUDA!
@ Yng Black Mind… Do you know this isn’t a paid position for sure? And even so why can’t these ladies and gentlemen attend regular sevices at their local churches?? Why the need for a “working” advisor??
@Inna:
Yes, I am certain it is not a paid position. I took it upon myself to call and inquire with the Corporation (as anyone can, if they choose). Additionally, they can attend their regular services at whichever church they want – it is not about that. The Corp is simply providing access to the assist if needed. If they want, they can. If they don’t, they don’t have to – simple. The same goes if they wanted to go EAP – it is not mandatory, but it is available if they choose to seek the assistance.
Yng Black Mind
(those who know understand)
so why dont they just use EAP?
Because EAP costs money—-lots of it!
Yay! He is such an amazing man.
Congrats Uncle Kevin! you’ve alaways been a positive influence on me. (not a S.D.A. btw so that just goes to show you how big is heart and mind is.)
Pastor Bean must have too much on his plate already.
This is complete crap. This is what churches are for. Absolutely appalling.
This is my country home and you just got to love our people,if the nay sayers would only take some time and really do their research you would find that some of the most powerful and wealthiest organizations that are not faith based around the world,have spiritual advisors.
The United States of America right from the Presidents official office has its spiritual advisors,the private sector such as many of our off shore companies based right here in little minded bermy have its own spiritual advisors,they just dont publishzise it.
The United States of America was founded on Godly principles taken directly from the Holy Bible and so were several other nations and to this date still hold fast to this as we see in the house of parliment every Friday,where they open up with the Lords prayer.so to accuse the corporation of being out of touch or squandering or waisting tax payers of the city of Hamiltons money is far from the truth as it has already been stated that Elder Santucci is not being paid for his services.
Further more it may do some critics to read and see what the Bible has to say about a nation that comes to God in all its deliberations and the promises that the almighty gives in that respect and likewise to read the danger and the judgement that falls upon a nation that does not take Gods ordinances and principles into being.for those that believe you can seperate the two that is utter nonsense.
Maybe if our former Premier had a real spiritual advisor we wont be in the mess we are in and it is my memory that there was a time under the U.B.P. that the government would not even think of making very crucial decisions unless it contacted the spiritual advisors of the church and not just on moral issues,but we in this country for some of us know the importance of what this brings acroos the board for all who would honor God in this way,which simply means we dont have all the answers and would have no problem in seeking out divine advice from one who can help lead and direct our deliberations and concerns both public and private,in a manner that would be pleasing to our creator.
After all the Mayor and his cabinet of both corporations and the government of Bermuda are all servants equall to all and must serve allwhen you look at the responsibility of the office they hold,it is important that they reconize the peoples business is of high importance and cannot be taken lightly and what better way to be lead then that of our Heabvenly Father through His servants here on earth.
So in closing to Elder Santucci I wish you all the best and that is the best way for me to put it,as I am stil a black Italian in a land called Bermuda and speak fluent French Italian of which I choose to respect you and not speak my full dialect here.
I am guessing the advise is just for Christians…
Its so sad that you feel that way.
Well piss off then. Keep your ‘advice’ to yourself.
no i will tell you a secret but please dont tell no one,IT IS FOR WHOSEVER WILL. you see there are christians in there and wine bibblers and heathens and i forgot the rest trying to be rude.
Actually the US was NOT founded on Christian principles taken from the Bible.
http://www.nobeliefs.com/Tripoli.htm
Further more they were fleeing religious persecution.
Mr. Santucci is a good man. I wish him well in his new role. I just hope this is not another attempt of the church to find new ways to run this country.
The united states is not a christian nation.
History has shown and proven time and time over that The United States of America’s beginnings were kind of interesting as we can clearly agree the Indians were there first and after them the settlers who became the beginning of the American foundation was a God fearing people who built its legacy on the foundemental truths found in The Holy Bible that still stands to this day regardless of ruthless and perverted leaders who will try and pervert the truth and if the truth be told we cant point our fingers at them as we have the same here and then of course people will be people the world over.
Black Italian? Come on Duane you can do better than that!
really I cant my father was full blooded Italian,if you know anything about science,ones identification according scientific research shows that race and ethnicity comes from your biological father,so as much as i would like to think I am fully this or that,I have to go with the facts,just like the fact that my father was of the white race and my mother is black so I happen to be semi grey.
Duane,
This is not the forum to discuss that issue, but I am fully aware of the origin of the Santucci family and it’s roots in Bermuda. Old man Santucci (your grandfather)put me in my place on more than one occasion, and I had/have much respect for him as well as Herbert,Graham ,Albert, Clarence ( Kevin’s father) and Leonard. I could go on but you get the point.
On the other side, the Mings, who almost everyone in Bermuda knows.
The next time I bump into you we could have a friendly little chat.
This commentary by Duane would be funny if it wasn’t so sad. The USA officially spends over a million dollars every single minute of every single day of every single year on military activity. (look it up) And you say they are holding fast to some Godly principle? The amerikkkan constitution in article 1 section 2 relegates black persons to the same level as chickens, goats and cows: 3/5 of a human being ans in 2012 they refuse to amend it…and they were founded on Godly principles? Do your homework before you run your mouth!
This clearly proves that there is absolutely no pleasing some people. The article clearly states that Elder Santuccci is simply ‘available’ should CoH workers decide to talk to him. No one is forcing anything on anyone. It is unpaid, and merely an option offered by the CoH should someone decide to use it. Pick another battle people – there is none here.
Yeah, why don’t they appoint a witch doctor and a fortune teller as well? And maybe a medium and a psychic? Just in case somebody wants their advice.
Bunch of amateur idiots.
They dont need to appoint them,they are already there and they are the ones that need guiding ,seemingly there powers dont work.so we thought to help them.
Nothing personal Kevin —-but is this a joke?
“The United States of America right from the Presidents official office has its spiritual advisors……”
So true. George Bush regularly spoke with God and took God’s advice, which is probably why we are still looking for those weapons of mass destruction that never existed, yet led to a war that claimed the life of so many young people.
And don’t get me started on Tony Blair.
Like when Curtis got visited by angels, I guess?
Jesus was TALKED about so should we expect any better?Elder Santucci isn’t there to tell people what SPIRTUAL CHANGES TO MAKE.
As long as its not taking too much out of the budget, I think this is a noble idea…Lord knows that everyone can use a little spiritual guidance in these tough times, particularly those in draining bureaucratic positions. Given recent events in bermuda, we need to be willing to step back from ourselves and accept help from others who are offering it.
In respect to your comments,you have spoken wisely.even though I am getting a kick out of responding to some that are way all in left field.In all seriousness Bermuda is headed in a direction that she has choosen to go and believe it when you see it the day will come that they will call for the elders of the church left right and center but will it be to late,or can we avoid some disasters by simple preparations.
I will simply say this, NEGATIVITY is what helps to make a person stronger. By CORRECTLY READING an article you would notice that it is CLEARLY STATED that, “Elder Kevin Santucci is available to provide spiritual counsel to anyone in need at the City of Hamilton; staff, management and board members.” This position could have been offered to ANYONE of ANY RELIGIOUS but it was not. I am not trying to stand here and push my father up any higher but those of you who posted negative remarks should take out the time to look at your own life. Most of you may be apart of another religion and claim to worship Christ forget that there will be people in heaven not of the same religion. CHRIST whom ALL CHRISTIANS worship, NO MATTER THE RELIGION went the SAME CRITICISM that is being potrayed here. No matter the religious background, Elder Santucci DOES NOT FORCE HIS BELIEFS OR STANDARDS ON THEM! He simply welcomes what is said and encourages you to live as Christ would live. If debate is brought up then, he will address the proposition at hand.
Every government in the world is hand in hand with the church. Take out time to READ your history. The worlds strongest religion is Catholicism, but none cry them down or call them a cult. Catholicism is what built the US, as with Bermuda, we have Anglican churches in EVERY parish. So what if you do not agree with what SDA’s believe, Elder Santucci will not hound you about it as that is not what he was placed to do and neither is it his nature. Being a spiritual adviser, only means that IF YOU SO CHOOSE to seek spiritual advice you can do so.
You win some and lose some. Never is anyone satisfied with the good that a man or woman do for someone else. To Yng Black Mind, I thank you for not being afraid to speak out.
-Kevina Santucci, Elder Santucci’s DAUGHTER
They should be running the city, not getting “spiritual advice”. Why not get a shaman and a few fortune cookies? They’d be about as useful.
Well done Kevina…apples don’t fall far from the tree – A good thing in this instance. I can only imagine those who have spoken such hate in their responses as to what their own children are like.
And we wonder why young people are killing each other?…more than likely its the same apples that speak and act in such a way. In other words, our childrem learn from the best, they learn from us.
Catholicism did not build the united states. Where is your evidence?
its scary when local government needs spiritual advising…look at whats happening right now in the middle east for christ sake and you will realise that secularism is the way forward, FOR EVERYONE!
Why didn’t they appoint Andre Curtis? Angels visit Andre.
Andre cant be appointed,he has to much on his plate,after all he is running for office and you might just never know that there could be an old runner in the back drop just waiting for the right moment to try and over throw Premier Paula and then say to us SORRY we had to do it this way,we had to decieve you to help you.
I’m so friggin glad I’m a heathen!
I am glad to because it makes it the more worth while that we have a job to do and without you we wont have nothing to do but sit around the dungen all day and night with the nuns.
The negativity is disappointing, but not unexpected. Some of the ignorant comments are indicative of why we are in the position we are in as a country.
Knowing Elder Santucci personally I have no question about his ability and willingness to provide guidance, encouragement or a listening ear to ANY individual he encounters (not just the COH). He is one of the least judgement, accepting individuals around.
If the COH wants to provide an individual to provide the above to its members/employees then I applaud that. Especially at a time when many people are craving simply a listening ear.
Elder Santucci is not evangelizing in his role, simply a good man with integrity willing to lend his wisdom and shoulder to those who may need it.
This must be a joke. I can’t see how and why this is even reasonable. I understand this isn’t America but how about a little separation of church and state? Seriously this probably the biggest waste of public funds since the “faith based tourism” scheme. That said.
I thought that in order to be a board member of any city counsel (or corporation in this case) you must be able to make sound decsions based on logic and reasoning. You can’t just be like “God said it” or “God would want it this way”. Ever been to an islamic republic? People die for nonsense! Point being we cannot allow religion to govern our society.
Spiritual Adviser for what? Just another avenue to shove religion down their throats… @Real Talk: Everyone is entitled to their opinions just because you don’t agree doesn’t make them ignorant..
Let’s poll the entire Corporation Board to ascertain who was and who wasnt in favour of this decision. This was created by only one or two people, wait until the next election when all the hidden agendas come out. Their are a few individuals on the board with some backbone and just dont go along to get along.
How many Adventist are on the board this is an insult to other faiths.
And yes Duane lots of Governments have spiritual advisers, but those spiritual advisers have Divinity Degrees and are Pastor’s. Please disclose this spiritual advisers credentials(ONLY IN BERMUDA).
Well I can only give you my credentials,you see I went to church one day and found out that God made a jack ass talk and I decided to stay only because I still see that they never stopped their still talking today and so I thought since I come from a very colorful back ground I would fit right in.so just in case you are one that looks for folk that have been to the cemetary,sorry i meant to say seminary and have there degrees and doctorates in nothing that really makes a lick of a difference when you get to the finish line, i will remind you and them that Stephen in the Bible was a might man and taught by the Holy Spirit himself and not man,also when Jesus went out to pick twelve disciples he did not choose the elite of the day but common folk and one or two of the elite,but the majority of them never went to get degrees and have names for them selves or letters in front of their names so they can wear a dog colar,no they went about doing the work and did not stop.So In closing if I can please give Elder Santuccis certification and qualifications that to me is quite easy,
He is a man of God,Called by God and he is a servant who comes to serve and not be serve,He unlike many comes with something in his hand to give and not with his hand out to try and recieve.He is an honest and humble man who does not decietfully use you or out right lie to you.he stands on the written Word of God and not only preaches it with simplicity but lives it,you did not ask for a sermon but his credentials and i just merely brushed over the surface,he is there with countless of people in their hour of need,he is on our radio to help bring inspiration and in our hospitals to help bring conselation,in our homes to bring comfort and peace in our times of loss or despair,he is in our prisons to bring encouragement and direction and finally he is a husband and a true father and grandfather of all which is a rare commodity these days,so when Jesus said when I was sick you healed me,when I was in prison you visited me,when I was hungry you fed me and the disciple said unto him master when did I do all these things,Jesus answered and said when you have done this to the least of my bretren you have done it unto me.so I think you have your answer there as far as Elder Kevin Santuccis credential,he went to the university of kneeology and master in divinity to be a man of simplicity so he can be of service to humanity,what are you doing that impacts the world,not just Bermuda and finally if the truth be told Elder Kevin would not and dont want people to make all this fuss about who he is or who people think his not,he is quite content with just going along doing the work without reconitions,BUT THIS BARES WITNESS AND NEEDS TO BE SAID BECAUSE THE STORY DID NOT INCLUDE THE FACT THAT THIS IS HISTORY IN THE MAKING,AS ELDER KEVIN SANTUCCI IS THE FIRST IN BERMUDAS HISTORY TO EVER BE CALLED OR NAMED AS A SPIRITUAL ADVISOR THE CORPORATION AND IF SOME OF THE FOUNDING FATHERS CAN SEE THIS DAY THEY WOULD DROP DEAD,SPIRITUAL ADVISOR MAYBE THEY COULD STOMACH IT BUT A BLACK MAN HEARING FROM GOD.
CAPS really aren’t needed. Mostly it just irritates people because it’s difficult to read, so they skip over it.
It’s also very distracting when so many words are mis-spelled. You might want to get someone who can string a sentence together to help you write your posts.
hahahahahahaha!………You guys are Priceless!!these comments are hysterically funnny today!!!ahem..ahem.. back to the manuscript, I am speeechless!!!Spiritual Advisor?????????????
Oh just SHUT UP! Nobody cares what you believe.
I’m sure Mr Santucci is a fine man and upstanding citizen… It just seems strange that the CoH would need a spiritual advisor now when they have never needed one in the past. Is this saying something about the character of the PLP’s CoH cabal? Or is it just more “someone needs a job” F&F stuff…? Who knows? We never will be able to trust the PLP again.
Duane it is obvious your understanding of the Bible(WORD) is very shallow!
Oh by the way some of those that voted for him is very strong supporters and family members of the former premier that you love to bash. I have been to funerals I heard your “spiritual adviser” quote scripture out of context. There is such a thing as exegete scripture and not isogete scripture. Remember the pew is more intelligent than the pulpit. So all that you just said in just hot air.
This is all too funny – are we to expect a small confessional at each COH location and the good man Santucci to be attendance on a rota – listening to ‘Father I have sinned, I said I was sick, but it was a hooky day…’
There is something wrong when CoH has taken the time to appoint a spiritual adviser, but haven’t gotten around to enacting that promised good governance document.
They’re going to try to weasel out of that good governance document by saying its now no longer necessary because they are now “guided” to the right path in all things by their new spiritual adviser.
Now if only they can figure out how to avoid the drug tests….
Facilitator of this article, is there any way to end the comments on this article from now on? This has turned into a heated and unnecessary debate. We all are entitled to our opinions on different issues but there is also a time and place for certain things to be said. What people interpret from what is written isn’t always the intention of the writer. So please, I ask that the comments be ended. Thank you.
Yep, that’s right. When you’re obviously losing the debate, resort to censorship.
Elder Santucci is accustomed to donating his services, and as such the COH has engaged him to assist anyone who wishes to use his servcies.
THIS IS NOT A PAID POSITION!! Currently most empoyers allow employees to speak with the EAP regarding issues that they have difficulty resolving and that cannot be resolved within the work environment. The EAP is a quality conselling option, now empoyees have an additional option.
So if you worship a different God from him, you aren’t compelled to meet with or even speak to him. However if you are led to discuss issues that you might otherwise take to the EAP, then you have every opportunity wihtin your employment to do so.
I thought that I would provide additional information regarding the position of Elder Santucci, although I recognise that it wont satisfy those that are simply unhappy with EVERYTHING that is happening in Bermuda.
I am coming to side with those folks who have said “some will never be satisfied.” You lot are some VERY angry people, just getting mad at any and everything! What a lot of wasted energy!
I may not interpret the Bible in the same way as Elder Santucci, but that doesn’t give me the right to disrespect him, or his beliefs.
Why anyone would object to the availability of FREE spiritual guidance is beyond me! We have many more problematic issues to address at this time. So, you don’t believe in the Bible? Well then, you don’t have to go and talk with this gentleman. Sheeesh!!!
I second that!
This draws a lot of comment because ‘spiritual guidance’ should have nothing to do with the administration of the City of Hamilton, whether it’s ‘free’ or not. While we’re at it, they should also not appoint a voodoo advisor, or a medium, or a psychic.
The electorate voted for the people they wanted running the city. They didn’t vote for a spiritual advisor. If he wants power and influence over the affairs of the city, he should stand for election.
apparently the COH is a theocratic regime!
Um jus sayin I don’t understand why the CoH needs a “Spiritual” Advisor. It seems like of waste of space to report on it as well. Thankfully this isn’t a paid position because that would just be insane. Also, if he there just “in case” someone wants to talk then it seems pointless to have the position because if someone did want to talk I’m sure they could just walk into their neighborhood church or “spiritual” organization of their choice.
Um jus saying dats all
Kudos to the City of Hamilton, may everyone continue to move forward.