G-G Urges Bold Action to Address Social ills

Governor-General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, says bold action is required from leaders to address the ills in the society.

“Certainly, these times demand bold faith, bold action and fervent prayers,” he said while addressing the 38th annual National Leadership Prayer Breakfast (NLPB) at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on January 18.

“We must have the strength of mind and the will to persevere even when our energies are waning,” he added.

The Governor-General said the nation is looking to the country’s leadership to be peddlers of hope, provide opportunities, reinforce the notion of individual responsibility, recognise and reward achievements while punishing unacceptable and unlawful behaviours.

“They also want leaders to show, by example, the care, protection, respect and understanding of the rights, the potential and the possibilities of those whom we lead,” he pointed out.

“We must have the strength of mind and will to persevere even when our energies are waning,” he added.

The Governor-General said the annual prayer breakfast provides the opportunity for persons to gather to give thanks and appreciate God’s continued guidance and protection.

“We are here uniting as one people around one common purpose – that of making our country truly a place where we can live, work, raise our family, and do business. We know that this is not a ‘walk in the park’. It is a long, hard, sacrificial and rewarding journey.

“Let us continue to use activities like this, which is right for Jamaica, to help in fixing the things that are wrong among us,” he urged.

The Governor-General encouraged those gathered to remain steadfast in their various spheres of leadership. “Stay in the trenches, do your best, and God will reward you in the end,” he said.

Chairman of the NLPB Committee, Rt. Rev. Stanley G. Clarke, in his remarks, said the staging of the annual prayer breakfast is critical, as it sends a message to leaders at all levels of society that God is “counting on us to do the right things and to lead well”.

“This is so that those dependent on us might be able to live out their lives with dignity, respect and thankfulness to God,” he said.

Guest Speaker and Pastor of the Webster Memorial United Church, Rev. Astor Carlyle, called for moral clarity across the nation.

“A future of progressive prosperity requires that a moral choice must be made. There needs to be a moral revolution,” he noted.

The clergyman lauded oversight bodies such as the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) and the Office of the Contractor General (OCG) for their role in truth-seeking.

The NLPB, under the theme ‘Let’s Stop It! Return To Righteousness’, was attended by leaders from all sectors of society.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, read the first lesson, which was taken from Jonah 3:4-10. The second lesson from Acts 2:13-15 and 17-20, was read by Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Peter Phillips.