While greeting the congregation of the Family Church On The Rock on Sunday, August 5, 2018 Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Homer Davis, used the occasion to encourage unity amongst all Jamaicans in an effort to improve the nation.
In his brief address at the 2018 St. James Independence Church Service, the Mayor charged the congregation to reflect on Jamaica’s history to gain insight for a prosperous country.
“As we celebrate Jamaica’s 56th year of being an independent nation, and 184 years of Emancipation, it is my hope that we will do some serious introspection on the events of our past, while we work towards shaping the future for our country and for its citizens,” said the Mayor.
He further stated that, “with all hands on deck, Jamaica can return to the glory days of being the jewel of the Caribbean, and Montego Bay can once again be called ‘Magic City’, as well as the Friendly City.”
All Smiles: Miss St. James Festival Queen 2018, Chris-Ann Douglas (centre), is all smiles as she engages Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Homer Davis (extreme left), Deputy Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Leeroy Williams (2nd left), Doctor Carleene Grant Davis (2nd right) and Bishop the Honourable Conrad Pitkin, Custos of St. James (extreme right) at the 2018 Independence Thanksgiving Church Service held at the Family Church on the Rock on Sunday, August 5, 2018.
Mayor Davis’ sentiments were echoed through the sermon delivered by host Pastor, Apostle Doctor Richard Keane, who sought to reinforce the theme for the 56th Independence celebrations - “Jamaica 56 - One Love… One Family” – in his message.
Apostle Keane spoke to building Jamaica by strengthening the family unit, as he emphasized that ‘individuals should play their part in nation building by forging strong family relationships, with God at the pinnacle.’
In addition to Councillors and representatives of numerous state agencies and the business community, also in attendance were Custos Rotulorum of St. James, Bishop Conrad Pitkin, who read the Governor General’s message; Attorney General to Jamaica, Marlene Malahoo Forte, who read the Prime Ministers message; and Councillor Kerry Thomas of the Mount Salem Division, who read the message of the Opposition Leader.
Messages were also delivered by the Jamaica Defence Force’s, Major Garth Anderson, and the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s, Senior Superintendent Vernon Ellis; both persons spoke to the importance of the state of emergency and the successes of the programme since its inception January 2018.
Highlighting the gratitude of the local Independence Planning Committee, Chairman of the Civic and Community Affairs Committee, Councillor Dwight Crawford presented a ‘love offering’ to the church on behalf of the Municipal Corporation.
The Independence Church Service was part of the annual commemorative activities for Jamaica’s 56th Independence celebrations.