Improve quality of life for all, Dick appeals to leaders
Published:Sunday | September 2, 2018 | 12:00 AMJason Cross/Gleaner Writer
Pastor of Boulevard Baptist Church in St Andrew, the Reverend Devon Dick, has made an appeal to the leaders of the nation, including the Opposition, to ensure they work towards improving the quality of life for all citizens.
"There are persons who are finding it very challenging to make two ends meet. I don't think that some of us realise what is happening in the church. A few days ago, a Christian woman with leadership position in a church, I called her and she told me that sometimes she has to take electricity without paying for it," Dick said during his sermon yesterday at a church service to mark the People's National Party's (PNP) 80th anniversary.
"I ascertained that her income was $2,300 per day for five days a week. That is a bit more than minimum wage, but if you think it through, it is hard to pay utility bills. The Bahamas' minimum wage is twice ours. I heard that they have financial constraints so they won't be able to host the World Relay Games next year, but Jamaica says it can host it," the pastor continued, questioning the priorities.
Top-brass and lower-ranking members of the PNP turned out to celebrate the milestone of the party founded by Norman Washington Manley in 1938.
MORE TO BE DONE
Among those present were PNP President Dr Peter Phillips and former party leader and former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson.
Phillips spoke of the contributions that the PNP has made to the lives of citizens, adding that a lot more needs to be done.
"We are assembled here to give thanks to the Almighty for the many blessings that our party has received over the past 80 years. We give thanks for the vision and leadership of our founders; the men and women who were led by Norman Manley and many others. We give thanks for the efforts and sacrifices of subsequent generations led by Michael Manley, P.J. Patterson and Portia Simpson Miller," Phillips said.
"During the 80 years, much has been achieved to fulfil the vision of our founders, to secure nationhood and Independence for our country, to expand social and economic opportunities that are at the foundation of social justice. The vision and mission is to build a Jamaica that offers opportunities to all of us and a Jamaica where wealth and the benefits of modern civilisation are not concentrated on a privileged few, but extended to all the people in the country."