A total of 61 workers were recognised for their dedication and long-standing service during the Central Jamaica Conference (CJC) Long Service Awards Ceremony, held on Sunday, March 8, 2026, under the theme “A Tribute to Grace, Growth & Gratitude.”
Awardees stand proudly after being recognised during the Central Jamaica Conference Long Service Awards Ceremony, where 61 workers were honoured for their commitment and contribution to the mission of the church :: Photo credit: Garry Witter, Field and Studio Production Manager, CJC
The ceremony recognised employees who have contributed significantly to the work and mission of the church through years of faithful service in various departments and institutions across the conference.
Among those highlighted were pastors Thomas Bryan and Everett Smith, who were recognised as the longest-serving workers, each completing an outstanding 43 years of service to the Central Jamaica Conference. Their decades of dedication were applauded as a testament to loyalty, perseverance and commitment to the mission of the church.
In his opening remarks, President of the Central Jamaica Conference, Pastor Nevail Barrett, commended the honourees for their enduring contributions to the organisation and the church’s growth.
Central Jamaica Conference President, Pastor Nevail Barrett, delivers remarks during the Long Service Awards Ceremony, where 61 workers were recognised for their years of faithful service to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. :: Photo credit: Garry Witter, Field and Studio Production Manager, CJC
“Today we celebrate more than years of service; we celebrate lives that have been devoted to the advancement of God’s work. Your faithfulness and commitment have strengthened the ministry of the Central Jamaica Conference and helped shape the legacy we celebrate in this 65th anniversary year,” Pastor Barrett said.
Delivering the main address, Cabinet Secretary Honourable Audrey V. Sewell, OJ, CD, JP, praised the awardees for their dedication and the impact of long-term service on institutions and communities.
Cabinet Secretary, Honourable Audrey V. Sewell, OJ, CD, JP, addresses attendees during the Central Jamaica Conference Long Service Awards Ceremony, commending awardees for their decades of service and commitment to community development. :: Photo credit: Garry Witter, Field and Studio Production Manager, CJC
“Service of this magnitude reflects dedication, discipline and a deep commitment to purpose. Individuals who devote decades of their lives to serving institutions and communities help to shape their future and leave a lasting legacy of impact,” Sewell said.
Greetings of commendation were also extended by Executive Secretary of the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Dr. Karl Archer, who congratulated the awardees for their faithful service.
Dr Karl Archer, Executive Secretary of the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, extends greetings and commendation to the awardees during the Central Jamaica Conference Long Service Awards Ceremony. :: Photo credit: Garry Witter, Field and Studio Production Manager, CJC
“The Jamaica Union Conference extends heartfelt commendation to each of the awardees. Your years of faithful service represent the spirit of dedication that continues to strengthen the mission of the church across Jamaica. Your commitment has helped to build the foundation upon which the church continues to grow,” Dr Archer stated.
Responding on behalf of the awardees, Mrs Brenda James, Vice Principal of Willowdene Group of Schools, expressed gratitude for the recognition and reflected on the shared sense of mission among those honoured.
Mrs Brenda James, Vice Principal of WGS, responds on behalf of the awardees, expressing gratitude for the recognition of workers who have dedicated decades of service to the church. :: Photo credit: Garry Witter, Field and Studio Production Manager, CJC
“On behalf of the awardees, we are deeply grateful for this recognition. Our years of service have been driven by a shared commitment to the mission of the church and the communities we serve. This honour reminds us that faithful service, though often quiet, plays a vital role in the work of God,” she said.
The programme included musical presentations by T4 Band, and moments of fellowship as church leaders, administrators and colleagues celebrated the contributions of workers who have faithfully supported the mission of the church over many years.
The event highlighted the significant role workers have played in advancing the mission and ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church across the region, and formed part of the year-long celebrations marking the 65th Anniversary of the Central Jamaica Conference.
Click HERE to view photo highlights of this meaningful milestone in the conference’s 65-year legacy of ministry and mission.
Pastor Everett Smith (R), Vice President and Director of Adventist Community Services and Publishing Ministries, accepts his award from President Nevail Barrett (L) for 43 years of outstanding service to the work of the Central Jamaica Conference :: Photo credit: Garry Witter, Field and Studio Production Manager, CJC