Don't Create A Reigious Garrison

I am aware that Prime Minister Golding, Pearnel Charles and several other members of the present administration are affiliated with the Seventh Day Adventist Church. It is obvious that the present government is positioning the Seventh Day Adventist Church to play a more expanded and active role in the nation.

The appointment of the head of the Seventh Day Adventist Church as Governor General, the dominant role given by the SDA church in last independence observations, the use of SDA choirs at state functions and the use of Seventh Day Adventist Churches to host official state functions are cases in pointed. I am in strong agreement with the view that as the largest Christian denomination in Jamaica, there should be a more active role given to the Seventh Day Adventist Church in national building. The Seventh Day Adventist Church earns the right to play a more active role in national life. The SDA contribution to health care, education, disaster relief and family life education are commendable and should be emulated by other denominations.

Care must me taken however, that the Seventh Day Adventist Church is not being positioning as the official church of Jamaica. The government must not create a religious garrison, Jamaica has enough garrisons.

Orville Plummer