Malahoo Forte reaffirms constitutional protection for religious liberty
KINGSTON, Jamaica–Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs Marlene Malahoo Forte has reiterated the constitutional safeguards for religious freedom. She emphasised that “if the State enacts a general law within its power to advance secular goals, the statute remains valid despite any indirect burden on religious observance.”
Gov’t committed to ensuring respect for religious freedom and diversity - PM
The Government remains committed to ensuring that the country’s laws and policies reflect respect for religious freedom and diversity, says Prime Minister, Dr Andrew Holness. He said that the Administration will continue to engage with religious organisations, the private sector and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to review existing policies and practices to ensure that religious liberties are upheld in alignment with Jamaica's laws and international human rights.
Adventists say advocacy for flexibility not a bid for preferential treatment
The Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is adamant that its advocacy for “flexibility” so its members can observe their Sabbath is not a bid for “preferential treatment”. This as the 307,000-member strong organisation prepares to mount its January 30 summit which is designed to “highlight the disrespect for the religious rights and beliefs of individual and denominational organisations” and foster dialogue and understanding among different religious groups in Jamaica while emphasising the importance of respective diverse beliefs.
Sabbath keepers under pressure from schools, jobs
Sabbath keepers locally are lamenting what they consider an infringement of their fundamental rights by employers and educational institutions who disregard their religious freedoms, forcing them to choose between their faith and their livelihoods.
This is not war!
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica, which has more than 307,000 members in some 738 congregations, while insisting that it is not declaring “war” on employers or institutions who continue to “disrespect” its “religious rights and beliefs”, says it will be using its upcoming January 30 summit to plead for understanding and flexibility.
Andrews Memorial Hospital Strengthens Jamaica’s Healthcare with Launch of New Services
Andrews Memorial Hospital (AMH), a healthcare institution operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica, recently launched its Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory services on. These additional services mark a significant step in the hospital’s goal toward a high-reliability healthcare institution, a move toward delivering quality care that addresses critical gaps in diagnostic and cardiac care in the nation.