Garth urges unity as Jamaica rebuilds after Melissa
Published:Friday | January 16, 2026 | 12:10 AMKaren Madden/Gleaner Writer
A call for unity, compassion, and national healing was issued by Reverend Dr Peter Garth during his sermon at the 2026 National Leadership Prayer Breakfast (NLPB), held Thursday morning at Boulevard Baptist Church in St Andrew.
The senior pastor of Hope Gospel Assembly framed his message against the backdrop of Jamaica’s ongoing recovery from Hurricane Melissa, which devastated mainly western Jamaica last October.
Drawing from the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, Garth urged Jamaicans to respond to the crisis with empathy and practical support.
“We don’t have to look very far. Melissa destroyed the western end of Jamaica, but the good news is that God has raised up many good Samaritans who have been helping many persons who are hurting,” he said.
Garth noted that the Samaritan was deemed “good” because he showed concern for his brother, contrasting this with the priest and Levite in the story who may have prioritised religious obligations over compassion.
He highlighted parallels between the dangerous Jericho Road – where the biblical attack occurred – and the social climate in Jamaica today.
“Many Jamaicans are afraid to help,” he observed, adding that even genuine efforts are often met with cynicism and criticism. “When we try to help others, there are risks involved. We live in a country where we have become very cynical.”
He also pointed to lessons from the criminal in the story, warning against the abuse of power.
“He used his God-given power in a wrong way, and that is happening in Jamaica every day – in our offices, in our churches,” Garth said. He stressed that blessings and abilities must be used ethically and that “the end does not justify the means”.
Despite the risks, Garth insisted that Jamaicans must not turn away from those in need.
“There are thousands of Jamaicans with that wish for concern - that persons would just stop and lend a helping hand,” he said, urging continued efforts to rebuild lives and homes damaged by the hurricane. “Let us respond to the urgent needs of our brothers and sisters.”
Despite the potential pitfalls, Garth insisted that those who require assistance must receive it.
“There are thousands of Jamaicans with that wish for concern: that persons would just stop and lend a helping hand. In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, let us continue our efforts to restore lives and rebuild homes. Let us respond to the urgent needs of our brothers and sisters in Jamaica. Let us care for our neighbours, the willingness to demonstrate concern. Is there a willingness with us today to demonstrate compassion?”
Garth also lamented what he described as a combative national posture, calling for an end to “vulgar criticism” and “vicious character assassinations”. “That has to stop and love has to take over,” he said. “We are all in this together, and we need all [hands] on deck if we are going to rebuild Jamaica.”
He closed with a challenge for Jamaicans to become people “who bring blessings, break barriers, and build bridges.”
Funds raised from this year’s NLPB will go towards a wellness centre at Manning’s School in Westmoreland, which was extensively damaged by Hurricane Melissa.
The event, held under the theme ‘Caring for Our Neighbours’, was attended by church leaders, representatives of the public and private sectors, and political leaders. Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness and Opposition Leader Mark Golding both read scripture, and prayers were offered for the nation’s leadership.