Rasbert Turner, Sunday Gleaner Writer

Spanish Town, St. Catherine:

The heads of the youth arms of the two major political parties endorsed the praise-and-worship service held in Spanish Town yesterday for candidates in the upcoming general election.

"This is the vision of president Portia Simpson Miller, that we should pray and worship God, especially during the (Independence) period," remarked Raymond Pryce, president of the Patriots, the People's National Party's young professional arm.

His counterpart, Warren Newby, president of Generation 2000 (G2K), a Jamaica Labour Party affiliate, echoed similar sentiments: "I think it is a meaningful gesture for peace."

The praise-and-worship service was held at the Seventh-Day Adventist Temple, Brunswick Avenue, Spanish Town. Persons from both sides of the political divide were in attendance. Among them were Sharon Hay-Webster and Rohan Silvera of the PNP, while Senator Arthur Williams and Dr. Errol Williamson represented the JLP. Custos of St. Catherine, Sophia Azan, was also in attendance.

Spirit-filled service

It was a spirit-filled morning of activities with the church giving specialwelcome to the politicians. There was also an intercessory prayer for the politicians, urging them to be humble and to acknowledge that they are servants of the people. The political representatives promised so to do, and to work in tandem with the Church for continued unity throughout and beyond the election period.

The function was organised by the Patriots as a way of fostering peace during this period of political activity.