By Devon Dick
REVEREND STANLEY Redwood, in his resignation remarks as president of the Senate, claimed that his reason for migrating was that he puts his family first - a family which consists of talented children.
Redwood was lauded by both sides of the House for his even-handedness as president. This is no mean achievement for a first-time senator. Furthermore, there were some who questioned whether a pastor could execute this job effectively. He has distinguished himself and we should all commend him.
That he is seeking opportunities for his talented children, including the obviously talented infant, is commendable. And he is perhaps not in 'violation' of Vision 2030 which aims for Jamaica to be the "place of choice to live, work, raise families, and do business" because surprisingly and unfortunately the vision does not have as a goal Jamaica being the place of choice to study. Therefore, the desire to grasp the better opportunities for study in Canada appear kosher.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
Many worrying aspects of his migration have been commented on but there are some others that are equally important. Redwood was a Moravian pastor and for a while founded his own church. Is the reverend migrating as a missionary to Canada? What of his call to pastoral ministry? Many Christians grew up with the teaching that the call to full-time pastoral service is the highest calling and highest service for a human being. That is why it was disturbing for some Christians when Pastor Patrick Allen left the pastoral ministry to become governor general. And now a reverend is migrating and there is no statement about his pastoral call being directed by God to migrate to Canada.
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The other troubling aspect was his claim that he was putting family first. One has to wonder what is his understanding of family? Jesus' response to family was that the will of his heavenly Father was preferred by him over any natural relations (See Matt 12:48). Christ was so intent on doing his Father's will, that no human relations could take precedence.
This was no disrespect to parents or siblings. There is a global family in Christ that cannot be ignored. Luke 14: 26 states, "If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple." Jesus' teaching to his disciples was that no earthly affection must ever come into competition with the love of God and service to God. In, the Christian understanding responsibility to the family of God is pre-eminent.
Finally, instead of Redwood pontificating about what we, who are left behind, should do, he should quietly leave. And perhaps a little penitence would have been in order. It is, at least, embarrassing that the head of the Jamaican senate is resigning to go and live in another country because of educational opportunities.
It would have been better if Redwood had not accepted the appointment because it leaves him open to the charge that he was hoping that this 'high profile' responsibility would enhance his chances of qualifying for residency. In addition, it must have been difficult to preside over Jamaica's legislation while his mind was on another country and wishing to be there. He also opens himself to a conflict of interest. A conflict arises because, as a public official, his official decisions had the potential to be influenced by personal considerations and benefits.
No one should accept an appointment to the Senate or House of Representatives who has applied to migrate. It does not appear appropriate to be making laws and voting on finances while planning to migrate to another country.
Rev Devon Dick, PhD is pastor of the Boulevard Baptist Church in St Andrew. Send comments to columns@gleanerjm.com.
