Pastor T. Basil Sturrup of the Northern Caribbean University Adventist Church stands beside Sergeant Hopeton Mattis of the Manchester Police Division, who raises his hand in praise at the seventh annual prayer and thanksgiving service for the security forces. The service was held at NCU in Mandeville. - Contributed

Byron McDaniel, Gleaner Writer

Hundreds of security personnel were on Saturday advised tha they faced danger on a daily basis, their 'weapon' of choice should be prayer instead of the gun.

The charge was delivered by Pastor T. Basil Sturrup of the Northern Caribbean University (NCU) Adventist Church in Mandeville, Manchester, while addressing the seventh annual prayer and thanksgiving service for the security forces.

Pastor Sturrup, who served as a soldier in The Bahamas, said political parties cannot solve the country's ongoing crime problems.

"This can only be solved by God when our leaders humble themselves and pray," he said.

The 3,600 capacity gymnatorium of the NCU was filled with rank-and-file members of the security forces, church members, students, faculty heads, and civic leaders, among others.

They witnessed soul-stirring ministry from the Manchester Police Chorale, led by Sergeant Hopeton Mattis, who is also a pastor.

NCU president, Dr. Herbert Thompson, who also serves as a member of the consultative committee on crime, made it clear his institution is in support of the security forces.

"We want the people in uniform to understand that we are well aware that this fight is not only yours, but ours," said Dr. Thompson.

Minister of National Security, Dr. Peter Phillips, in a speech read by Permanent Secretary Gilbert Scott, lauded the men and women of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, whom he said had given the supreme sacrifice of their lives in the line of duty.