Amitabh Sharma, Features Coordinator

The Rt. Rev. Robert Thompson (right), Suffragan Bishop of Kingston speaks with Earl Jarrett (left), general manager of Jamaica National Building Society, Mike Fennell (second left), chairman of the Diocesan Financial Board, and the Rt. Rev. Alfred Reid, Anglican Bishop of Jamaica, during a press briefing last week to announce plans for today's arrival of Archbishop of York, John Sentamu. - Photo by Oliver Wright

He will visit the Cathedral of St. Jago de la Vega in Spanish Town and address a youth gathering at the Indoor Sports Centre on October 9.

The Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, will arrive in Jamaica this evening.

Archbishop Sentamu will be visiting the island until October 12.

"There is an air of excitement ahead of his visit," said the Rev. Denzil Barnes, member of the planning committee for the archbishop's visit.

Archbishop Sentamu, accompanied by his wife Margaret, arrives from London by an Air Jamaica flight to Kingston.

Among those who will receive the archbishop are Bishop Alfred Reid and Mrs. Reid; Michael Fennell, chairman of the Diocesan Financial Board; Lensley Wolfe, Chancellor of the Diocese; British High Commissioner Jeremy Cresswell and Major General Rudolph Green.

A number of engagements have been lined up for the archbishop. Tomorrow, he will be conferred with the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws at a special convocation.

On Sunday, Archbishop Sentamu will preach at a commemorative service of the Anglican Communion at the National Arena.

"Members from all over Jamaica will congregate at the National Arena," said Rev. Barnes. "We are looking forward to listening to what he has to say."

CALL UPON LEADERS

Archbishop Sentamu will call upon Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall, Prime Minister Bruce Golding and Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller. He will visit the Cathedral of St. Jago de la Vega in Spanish Town and address a youth gathering at the Indoor Sports Centre on October 9.

Archbishop Sentamu will be in Mandeville on October 10; he travels to Montego Bay on October 11, where he will receive the keys to the city of Montego Bay at the St. James Parish Church.

A farewell ceremony will be held at the Little Theatre in Kingston on October 11. The Archbishop departs for London the following day.

amitabh.sharma@gleanerjm.com