Caribbean Union Begins New Chapter with Election and Installation of Leadership

NEWS | 31 July 2026 | Royston Philbert

Delegates to CARU’s 18th Constituency Session elected Pastor Johnson Frederick as president, along with a new leadership team for the 2026–2030 quinquennium. The leaders were later installed to guide the Union into its second century of ministry.

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Delegates to the 18th Constituency Session of the Caribbean Union Conference (CARU) elected Pastor Johnson Frederick as president of the Caribbean Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, succeeding Dr. Kern Tobias after 15 years of presidential leadership.

The recommendation of Pastor Frederick by the Nominating Committee was approved during the third business session at the University of the Southern Caribbean, where delegates representing the Union's ten conferences and missions gathered under the theme, "Committed to Discipleship, Compelled by Love," to elect leaders who will guide the Church during the 2026–2030 quinquennium.

The elections, followed by the installation of the newly elected officers and directors, marked the beginning of the Caribbean Union's second century of ministry as leaders committed themselves to advancing the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church throughout the territory of the Union.

"I accept this sacred responsibility with humility and complete dependence on God," Pastor Frederick said following his election. "Together with our pastors, leaders, and members, we will continue to strengthen discipleship, proclaim the everlasting gospel, and serve our communities with Christ's love."

Held every five years, the constituency session is the highest governing meeting of the Caribbean Union, bringing together delegates to review the Church's progress, establish strategic direction, and elect leaders to guide the work of the Church throughout the territory.

Pastor Frederick's election marks the first transition in the Caribbean Union presidency since 2011. During four consecutive terms, Dr. Kern Tobias strengthened the Union's emphasis on evangelism and discipleship, expanded communication, education, health, and institutional ministries, and guided the Church through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Serving the Caribbean Union has been one of the greatest privileges of my ministry," Dr. Tobias said following the election. "I thank God for His faithfulness, the dedication of our members and leaders, and I remain confident that He will continue to bless this Union under its new leadership."

A native of Saint Lucia, Pastor Frederick has served as executive secretary of the Caribbean Union Conference since 2016 after previously serving as president of the St. Lucia Mission. He brings more than three decades of pastoral and administrative experience to the presidency.

Delegates Elect Executive Officers

Delegates also elected Pastor Ammaran Williams as executive secretary and reaffirmed Pastor Bertie Henry as treasurer and Mrs. Kerene Horsford-Nero as associate treasurer.

Pastor Williams most recently served as ministerial secretary and family ministries director of the Caribbean Union Conference, after previously serving as executive secretary, ministerial secretary and family ministries director of the North Caribbean Conference.

Pastor Henry and Mrs. Horsford-Nero will continue providing financial administration to the Union, supporting the Church's mission throughout the territory.

Newly Elected Leaders Installed for Mission

The atmosphere of celebration and thanksgiving continued into Sabbath afternoon as delegates, pastors, church members, and invited guests gathered for a special installation service led by Inter-American Division personnel.

The service formally commissioned the newly elected officers and departmental directors for service during the next quinquennium. Union administrators, conference presidents, and Inter-American Division leaders gathered around the newly elected leaders in a special prayer of consecration, asking God to grant them wisdom, discernment, unity, and spiritual strength as they lead the Church.

In his charge to the newly elected leaders, Pastor De los Santos reminded them that leadership in God's Church is first and foremost a call to mission. He urged them to lead with humility and integrity, keep Christ at the center of every decision, and remain steadfast in making disciples and preparing people for the soon return of Jesus Christ.

Installed as Union officers were Pastor Johnson Frederick as president, Pastor Ammaran Williams as executive secretary, Pastor Bertie Henry as treasurer, and Mrs. Kerene Horsford-Nero as associate treasurer.

Speaking on behalf of the newly installed leadership team, Pastor Frederick thanked delegates for the confidence they had placed in the new administration and reaffirmed the Union's commitment to the session theme, "Committed to Discipleship, Compelled by Love."

"We accept this responsibility with humility and complete dependence on God," Pastor Frederick said. "Together with our pastors, departmental leaders, conference administrators, and members, we will strengthen discipleship, proclaim the everlasting gospel, and serve our communities with Christ's love."

Delegates joined in a prayer of commitment, asking God to bless the newly installed leadership team as they begin their quinquennium of service.

With prayers offered, hands extended in dedication, and delegates united in worship, the installation service brought the 18th Constituency Session to a fitting close. As the Caribbean Union enters its second century of ministry, its newly elected leaders begin their work with a shared commitment to the session theme, "Committed to Discipleship, Compelled by Love," and to the proclamation of the everlasting gospel throughout the territory of the Union.

Caribbean Union Leadership Team (2026–2030)

Union Officers

  • Pastor Johnson Frederick — President
  • Pastor Ammaran Williams — Executive Secretary
  • Pastor Bertie Henry — Treasurer
  • Mrs. Kerene Horsford-Nero — Associate Treasurer

Departmental Directors

  • Dr. Kay White — Personal Ministries, Sabbath School and Community Services
  • Pastor Brent St. Jean — Youth and Public Campus Ministries
  • Pastor Royston Philbert — Ministerial Secretary, Assistant to the President for Evangelism, and Communication Director
  • Mrs. Debra Henry — Women's Ministries, Children's Ministries, Adolescent Ministries, and Possibility Ministries
  • Pastor Gandalal Samalalsingh — Stewardship, Planned Giving and Trust Services, and Adventist-laymen's Services and Industries (ASI)
  • Pastor Lowell Ottley — Family Ministries and Men's Ministries

The newly elected administration will work with the Caribbean Union Conference Executive Committee to complete additional leadership appointments and committee assignments in the coming weeks as the Union begins the 2026–2030 quinquennium.

News Item Photos

Pastor Abner De los Santos congratulates newly elected CARU President Johnson Frederick. Photo: CARU Communication Department.

Pastor Abner De los Santos introduces CARU officers. Photo: CARU Communication.