Call to action!

Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer

It was fitting. The National Independence Thanksgiving Service was held on Sunday, August 1, to thank God for the emancipation of Jamaican slaves on August 1, 1838, and Jamaica's Independence from British rule on August 6, 1962.

The highly spiritual but poorly attended service saw musical items from winners of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) gospel festival competition and messages from the Govern-ment, Opposition as well as members of the church. Guided by the theme 'I Believe In A Renewed Jamaica', the messages were punctuated with calls to action.

"Let us recognise that hope lies in us. Let us renew commitment to rebuild that new Jamaica," said Maxine Henry-Wilson, member of parliament for South East St Andrew.

A similar sentiment came from the Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, whose message was read by Dr Carmen Stewart. Sir Patrick explained that "we must continue to find the seeds of success as a nation". He also said renewal comes from within and that it could be achieved through independence of thought, guided by commitment.

Fiery sermon

In a fiery sermon, the Reverend Conrad Pitikin, of Faith Temple of God Assembly, concurred.

"Things have gone wrong and we need to correct it. We need some more Jamaicans to say, 'If I die, I die, but I stand for what I believe in'," he said.

Olivia Grange, minister of youth, sports and culture, encouraged the nation to promote peace and love in communities and to "do what is right and condemn what is wrong".

The Emmanuel Speech Choir, consisting of all adults, also addressed social ills.

Not to be outdone, the tributes in song proved just as powerful. The Emmanuel Mass Choir gave a stirring rendition, and Malika James, winner of the 2010 Children's Gospel Song 11-15 solo category, gave a powerful delivery of Encourage Yourself. Ann Marie Laing shared with the congregation her winning entry in the recently concluded JCDC Gospel Finals, I Can Trust God.

Independence itinerary

Wednesday, August 4

Mello Go Roun', National Arena - 8 p.m.

Friday, August 6

Independence Day Parade, Kings House - 9 a.m.

Independence Day Civic Ceremony and Parade, Sam Sharpe Square, Montego Bay, St James - 10 a.m.

Independence Day Civic Ceremonies, island wide

Western Jamaica Gala, 'Dump Up' Beach, Montego Bay - 12 noon

Independence Street Parade, Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre to National Stadium - 12 noon

Jamaica Independence Festival Grand Gala, National Stadium - 5 p.m.

Independence Street Dance, Half Way Tree Square - 8:00 p.m

Independence Day Street Concerts, island wide