Devon Evans, Gleaner WriterOCHO RIOS, St. Ann:
GOVERNOR-GENERAL Sir Howard Cooke has called on Jamaicans to develop a fresh new vision and a new understanding of their needs.
He is of the view that in Jamaica, people have failed to recognise the greatest of those among them and emulate their good deeds, noting that it is important to seek the guidance of the Church.
Sir Howard was guest speaker at the annual prayer breakfast of the Kiwanis Club of Ocho Rios held at the Almond Tree Restaurant in Ocho Rios on Saturday.
Urging Jamaicans to ensure that Christ is brought into every aspect of their lives, he reminded the gathering that despite all the brutish behaviour of slave masters and other persons in authority, it was the Church that made Jamaica a great country and continues to play an important guiding role in the society.
"I am convinced that it is the spiritual that is the most lasting and important aspects of our lives and as a nation, it is how we treat our people, it is our humanity, on which we will be judged," he said. "Are you seriously concerned about other people's society, upward mobility or are you concerned only with your own?"
RESCUE THE PERISHING
Sir Howard said that in Jamaica today there is need to 'rescue the perishing and care for the dying'. Questioning whether there is a consciousness of the people's relationship with each other, he pointed out that the spiritually dead was not only in the ghetto but among those with the big mansions, and who eat the best foods.
"I beg of you to understand that you have a responsibility to each other," he told his audience.
The Governor-General was introduced by the Custos of St. Ann, Radcliffe Walters, who both praised the Kiwanians for organizing the prayer breakfast and preventing human and spiritual values awards to members of the religious fraternity.
Those who were presented with awards were Reverend Carlton Mullings, Reverend Millard Edwards, Reverend Oliver Fraser, Reverend Johnathan Hemmings, Rev. Derrick Samuda, Bishop Norman Houslin, Rev. Walter Russell and Pastor Joseph Prendergast.
President of the Kiwanis Club of Ocho Rios Ian Boyd-Brown also presented a certificate of appreciation to Sir Howard.
