WORSHIP AND cultural displays were accompanied by concerns for Jamaica's future during yesterday's religious service to celebrate the island's 41st year of Independence.
"The future demands that if we are going to make it as a nation we must return to those values and attitudes that identify us as a people with civility and dignity," said the Rev. Dr. Robert Jones during the National Independence Thanksgiving Church Service at Coke Methodist Church, East Parade, downtown Kingston.
The theme of the service was "Reflections on our past our guide to the future".
The Rev. Dr. Jones, pastor of the Church of God of Prophecy, Kingston, a member of the Jamaica Association of Full Gospel Churches, lamented that Jamaica had become a country that "now sees gambling as almost the sole answer to economic hope and development."
"When you look, you see more advertising of gambling than you see of work. You have 'Lucky Five', 'Cash Pot', 'Pick Three', 'Drop Pan', 'Lotto' and strong lobbying is going on for the introduction of casino gambling," the Rev. Dr. Jones said. "This nation was founded on godly principles and we must return to those principles that our forefathers stood for."
His sermon held the rapt attention of the congregation which included Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, Maxine Henry-Wilson, Minister of Education, Youth and Culture, and the Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley, better known as 'Miss Lou', Jamaica's cultural ambassador, who is the Government's special guest at the Emancipation and Independence celebrations.
Also present were Desmond McKenzie, Mayor of Kingston, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, a deputy leader of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), Senator Burchell Whiteman, Minister of Information, and Robert Pickersgill, Minister of Transport and Works.
Prior to the sermon, worshippers were treated to a selection of cultural songs from the Cari-folk Singers. Also, young Sashoka Small, of Wallen's Preparatory School, performed a Jamaican dialect piece entitled, "Him Good To Mi Caan Done". Her presentation, akin to that of a young 'Miss Lou', had the entire church hall cheering in appreciation.
Independence Day will be celebrated this week, on Wednesday, August 6.
