By LENNOX FORDE http://www.newsday.co.tt/stories.php?article_id=15555

THERE were hugs, kisses and handshakes at the Crowne Plaza Hotel last night as the saga involving the hotel, its sales and marketing manager Klas Charles-Harris, and members of the Shouter Bapatists ended on a pleasant note. The hierarchy of the Shouter Baptists in Trinidad forgave Charles-Harris for the disdainful treatment he allegedly meted out to them last Friday. They asked Charles Harris to return to the job from which he reportedly resigned Charles-Harris thanked them for their hand of fellowship gesture and the owner of the hotel, Issa Nicholas, thanked the Baptists and welcomed the suggestion that Charles-Harris should resume his duties at the hotel.

All this happened at a press conference hosted by all of the parties involved. The press conference was held following long discussions between Nicholas, Archbishop Barbara Burke of the Council of Elders, Archbishop Monica Randoo of the Judah Spiritual Baptist Church; Archbishop Amilius Murrain, past president of the National Congress of Baptists and an executive member of the Inter-Religious Organisation and Charles-Harris. In addressing the press conference, Archbishop Randoo said: "We will be hurt if Charles Harris does not return to his job and at this stage, she quoted from the bible - "Give us this day our daily Bread."

She even invited him to visit the Spiritual Baptists Churches and pointed out that her call was based on brotherly love. She said the Spiritual Baptist faith believed in the healing process. Archbishop Burke pointed out that it was as a result of intensive discussions with Nicholas that the decision was taken to forgive Charles-Harris. She explained that the Baptists were angry because they did not hear both sides of the story and we are convinced that now is the time for healing. The advice of the Prime Minister, Patrick Manning, was also taken into consideration. Archbishop Burke also pointed out that there was some kind of misunderstanding.

"We now understand what took place and we, as children of God, really want you to return to your job and we wish you God’s speed." But she stressed that the experience last Friday will help the Baptists community go from strength to strength. "We are prepared to go forward and not backward." Archbishop Murrain also accepted Charles-Harris’ apology. He too, thanked the Prime Minister for acting as a facilitator. Nicholas thanked the Baptist community and promised the full support of the Crowne Plaza and its staff.

He did not see what happened last Friday as something that would tarnish the image of the hotel. Charles-Harris, who seemed to be at a loss for words, declined to answer many of the questions posed to him, but accepted the suggestion that he return to his job. He said he would take up the invitation to visit the Baptists, and laughed when asked if he would consider joining the faith.