Portia Simpson Miller (kneeling), Minister of Local Government, Community Development and Sports, receives the blessing of Dr. Robert Thompson (left), Suffragan Bishop of Kingston. The minister, who is one of the top contenders in the leadership race of the People's National Party, was attending a service of dedication to God and country at the Kingston Parish Church, yesterday. Looking on is Rector Leon P. Golding. - IAN ALLEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
PEOPLE'S NATIONAL Party (PNP) leadership contender, Portia Simpson Miller, yesterday gave a solemn promise to be 'fair and just' to her opponents, even as she seeks to serve the common good of the nation.
Mrs. Simpson Miller made the promise during a well-attended dedication service at the Kingston Parish Church in downtown Kingston.
Rector of the Kingston Parish Church, Leon Golding, commended the dedication service, a first for the four candidates who are vying for the top post of the PNP.
"I want to commend her for asking for this service," he said as he pointed out the serious nature of the job.
"It is an office which demands much from them ... it is hoped that those in leadership will also seek divine guidance," he added.
CALL FOR UNITED FRONT
Rev. Golding, who also delivered the sermon, used the opportunity to make a call for a united front for the rebuilding of the nation.
He said while Jamaica has made major strides as a nation, the country had a lot of rebuilding to do.
"We need to rebuild some walls if we are to move forward," he told the congregation. "We need to rebuild the walls of justice, we need to rebuild the walls of values."
But he noted that for the country to rebuild these walls, it would need a lot of committed persons and teamwork.
"Teamwork is important in leadership ... team-work is all we need. We all have a part to play in the rebuilding of this country," he said.
He further noted that all leaders should see themselves as 'stewards' with responsibility for God's people.
MAJOR SUPPORT FOR MINISTER
"Jamaica needs leaders in all spheres of life who see themselves first as servants of God," he said.
On the issue of crime, Rev. Golding said that it was a Jamaican problem.
"We will not solve our problems if every Jamaican is not willing to play their part. The police alone cannot solve the problem," he said.
Many persons who support Mrs. Simpson Miller's candidacy for the PNP's top post also turned up at the church service.
Among the crowd were: Deputy Speaker of the House, O.T. Williams; Members of Parliament, Victor Cummings and Richard Azan; and former Members of Parliament Jennifer Edwards, Ambassador Anthony Hylton and Easton Douglas.
University of the West Indies Professor Carolyn Cooper, broadcast journalist Fae Ellington, former leader of the National Democratic Movement (NDM), Hyacinth Bennett, gender affairs specialist Glenda Simms and Ambassador Peter King were also present.
- D.R.
