President of the Central Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Nevail Barrett, is reinforcing the fact that freedom of worship is an essential part of Jamaica’s heritage that should be celebrated and protected.
Speaking at the National Heritage Week church service held on Sunday, October 15 at the Bethel Temple Apostolic Church in May Pen, Clarendon, Barrett told attendees that the nation’s religious foundations, which are a combined legacy of African influence and European colonization, are as important as the heritage in music, sports and language.
“Throughout our history, people would put on their best suits and go to church on Saturday or Sunday or both days. Many of us owe to our parents, grandparents, the church and God a debt of gratitude for who we have become. We were brought up in the church and went to church schools which are some of the finest schools in our nation today,” he said.
He pointed to the national anthem, which is a prayer for God’s guidance and blessings, as a masterpiece of the national legacy of religious belief.
“I pray that as a nation, despite our differences of opinions, that we [remember] we are all God's children who deserve to be loved and respected. Let us unite around our values and rich heritage so the next generation can embrace the legacy we left behind,” Barrett said.
The service was attended by several civic and religious leaders. Among them was Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, who said it was fitting to gather to thank God for the triumphs of the nation over the years.
“Through it all there's a deep reservoir of blessings and opportunities for which we must express our thankfulness…May we be inspired by the stories of our ancestors, the rhythm of our music and the vibrant colours of our art. Let us be moved by the strength that runs through our veins and the resilience that defines us as a people…May God bless Jamaica land we love,” she said.
National Heritage Week 2023 was observed under the theme ‘Celebrating a Proud Heritage- Resilient and Strong’.
To view the programme, you may click here: https://www.youtube.com/live/qxHMp8glos0?feature=shared