Tashieka Mair, Gleaner Writer

Former CNN news anchor Andria Hall. - Contributed

WESTERN BUREAU:

Former CNN news anchor, Andria Hall believes that Jamaica is posed for wealth and greatness despite the negativity that surrounds the country.

Hall, who spoke exclusively with Flair recently, was in the island in support of the Miles Ahead ministry, which is carrying out voluntary work in the providing free health care and was involved in the Best Dressed 50Fest concerts that marked Jamaica Broilers 50th anniversary.

Comparing Jamaica to other countries she said, "I don't think that Jamaica is a different environment where people are not perfect. That's a wonderful message of Miles Ahead and what I do in my ministry, SpeakEasy M.E.D.I.A., which is a marketplace ministry, and that is, that while we are perfect people, we serve a perfect God," she said.

Other elements

"When we as people lose our way and our perception of our priorities, then other elements come into play that are completely opposite in what we want in our relationship with God because there really is a difference between institutional religion versus relational spirituality with Jesus Christ."

When asked about the Government's recent announcement that casino gambling would be permitted in the island, Allen responded: "I think what's important for the political process as well as the spiritual integrity of Jamaica is that Jamaicans choose who they are and make sure that Jamaica is always first."

"I would asked the Government and the churches 'what does that do to foster the strength of the family' and faith being the bedrock of that family, and I think, then that most Jamaicans can answer that question themselves," she added.

Volunteer work

Her main interest is the outstanding volunteer work that the Miles Ahead ministry, founded in 1992 by former NFL professional football player who has family ties to the island, Pastor Miles McPherson, is doing in Jamaica: The organisation provides free health care for thousands of Jamaicans.

"I think I have seen our impact here in the smiles of the children that we have been visiting across the island for the last couple of days but most importantly, we will leave a mark on the people of Jamaica."

Hall is a wife and mother who is not only active in ministry but is the president of SpeakEasy M.E.D.I.A. Inc, a United States-based media and public-presentation consulting firm. The Emmy award-winning journalist has coached two leaders in the Jamaican Government and the executive staff of the Half Moon Resort, among others.

She is an author and a former correspondent with FOX Network.