Jamaica Observer column published Monday 22, January 2024
by Jean Lowrie-Chin
Our pastor at Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church, Father Richard Brown, shared a story that during last year’s magnitude 5.6 earthquake folks who had said they did not believe in God were calling out the name of Jesus. We had the usual cynical responses about the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast held last Thursday. However, we maintain that “more things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of”.
In his message at the event, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen thanked the members of Planning Committee for their commitment to the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast: “Their dedication has been instrumental in making this event a beacon of hope and unity on our national calendar.”
He said the theme, ‘Choose Hope, Arise and Build’, emphasized the need to work together to create a future that aligns with the country’s highest aspirations. Despite challenges, such as crime and a departure from cultural values, Sir Patrick called on church leaders to provide wisdom and guidance to national leaders through prayer.
He exhorted the gathering to:
- Believe in a brighter Jamaica, where hope outshines despair
- Use hope as a beacon that can guide our nation back from the precipices of crime and disorder
- Hope for peace to reign in every heart, home, and community
- Hope for a day when leaders and citizens alike embrace the righteousness that uplifts a nation
- Believe in the transformative power of prayer
This year’s main speaker, Reverend Omar Morrison, pastor of the First Missionary Church emphasized the challenges leaders face. He referred to the biblical text at Mark 5:1-20, which narrates Jesus’s healing of a demon-possessed man, highlighting the destructive power of demons and the delivering power of God.
Acknowledging societal challenges, including crime, unemployment, and family issues, Rev Morrison contrasted despair with rays of hope seen in positive actions within the community. Rev Morrison called for the church’s urgent rescue and emphasised the importance of prayer and spiritual warfare. A call to action, he noted, is framed in the commissioning of the healed man to share his testimony and build hope.
He asserted hope for Jamaica despite challenges, emphasising the role of God, the Church, and citizens. The call to arise and rebuild relationships, institutions, and bridges of hope signal a commitment to a better future.
Our hearts warmed as we listened to youth speaker Kashief Barton, Campion High School sixth-form student and a youth leader at the Meadowbrook United Church. He described our existence as a tapestry of joy and sorrow, triumphs and trials. Like Nehemiah in the scriptures who rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem, he said choosing hope requires resilience and collective determination to overcome obstacles and actively contribute to society’s betterment.
“Choosing hope involves anchoring oneself in a foundation of faith,” he said, quoting Psalm 33:20-22: “We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and shield. In Him, our hearts rejoice for we trust in His Holy name.”
“Hope is not a passive sentiment,” he explained and shared a favorite verse, Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”
The project selected to benefit from the funds collected at the breakfast is the Educate to Elevate Community Outreach, a back-to-school programme of Hope Gospel Assembly, which has been providing back-to-school resources and scholarships to hundreds of children and their families for several years.
President and CEO of sponsor VM Group, Courtney Campbell, acknowledged the relevance and sustainability of the event: “As described, this is an investment, one that we at VM Group are proud to make. Our support of this forum over the past 39 years reflects our recognition of the potency of faith and prayer and the role the breakfast plays in championing much-needed values in the society.”
AMENDED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT
With the continued reports of domestic violence, putting mostly our children and women at risk, Jamaica welcomes the Domestic Violence (Amendment) Act, 2023, which comes into effect today, January 22, 2024.
The amended Act aims to provide greater protection for victims of domestic violence. The amendments include allowing the court to issue protection orders, increasing the penalty for breaching a protection order to a maximum of $1 million and up to one year in prison, and expanding the categories of people who can apply for a protection order.
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange emphasized that the Government is serious about addressing domestic abuse and called for an end to this cruel cycle. She also provided helpline phone numbers for those experiencing domestic violence: for women, 876-553-0372 and 876-236-1713; for men, 876-553-0387.
IMF GIVES JAMAICA HIGH MARKS
In a Financial Times report headlined ‘The IMF’s Fave Pupil Gets Another Gold Star’, writer Robin Wigglesworth shared the IMF’s assessment of Jamaica’s economic progress.
“Over the last years,” the report stated, “Jamaica has successfully reduced public debt, anchored inflation, and strengthened its external position. It has built a strong track record of investing in institutions and prioritising macroeconomic stability. This allowed Jamaica’s response to recent global shocks to be prudent, agile, and supportive of growth.”
It continued, “The economy continued to recover in 2023. After two years of rapid post-pandemic recovery, GDP (gross domestic product) growth is projected at 1.7 per cent in FY2023/24,with tourism well above pre-pandemic levels and unemployment falling to a record low of 4.5 per cent by mid-2023….Projected strong tourism inflows are expected to result in a current account surplus for FY2023/24, supporting a sound international reserves position.”
Don Anderson’s recent survey of business confidence shows a level of timidity, but this report should help boost our outlook.
A STRONG YEAR FOR CCCD
At last Tuesday’s annual general meeting for 2023, attendees were impressed by the achievements of the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf (CCCD) after challenging times during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chairperson Carol Robertson commended the staff at the organization’s three campuses in Kingston, Manchester, and St James led by Leon Samms.
They noted successful performances in examinations, the enrolment of 138 students, and the employment of 52 deaf staff members. CCCD’s initiatives have been focused on recruitment, infrastructure renovations, partnerships with local businesses, and ongoing projects with the Jamaica Red Cross. CCCD emphasises student involvement, spiritual development, and support through mentorship programmes and intentional parenting.
TOP AWARD FOR DAVID HERON
Actor and playwright David Heron has won the 2023 Broadway World Rhode Island Award for Best Supporting Performer for his role in Shakespeare’s The Tempest. The production, which received critical acclaim, was part of the Shakespeare in The Park Festival in Rhode Island.
Heron triumphed over almost 30 other nominees in a crowded field. The Broadway World Awards are prestigious regional theatrical awards announced annually by Broadwayworld.com.
In another big career move, Heron recently joined the production team for the upcoming HBO series Get Millie Black as a Jamaican acting and dialogue coach. Congratulations, Wolmerian David Heron – Age Quod Agis.
Jamaica Highlights 