In an unprecedented move, the Central Jamaica Conference (CJC) has launched its Builders League, the first such conference association in the Jamaica Union (JAMU), to enable efficient coordination of skills and resources for CJC building projects.
It was launched Sunday March 10 at the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) church in May Pen under the theme, ‘His Blueprint’.
The League was organised by development and safety officer at the CJC, Tamara Clarke, who is a structural engineer by profession. She says the formation process began in November 2023.
“There are over 100 churches in the conference still under construction, some have been trying to finish for over 10 years. Generally they can find the materials but labour costs are unmanageable. So the idea for the League was born. League members have volunteered to provide labour and other services free of cost as a way to give back to the cause of Christ,” Clarke explained.
CJC president, Nevail Barrett, said during his charge that the physical church building should represent God, who is the ultimate provider.
“My heart is saddened sometimes when I drive around Jamaica and see some of our churches unfinished or finished but not taken care of…you may have all the skill set (needed) in one place and you don't have it elsewhere. The strong can help the weak…that's what we want to achieve,” Barrett said.
In addition to creating a pool of skilled workers, the League has assembled a task force which will assist with obtaining titles and establishing boundaries for church properties, creating green spaces and project management.
Another key feature of the League is the partnership with the HEART/National Service Training Agency Trust to certify skilled workers on site during church building workdays.
The officers in the league are appointed for parishes and zones as outlined below.
Parish presidents:
Manchester- Patrick Daley
Clarendon- Kevin Leiba
St Catherine- Delroy Davis
Zonal Leaders:
Manchester
Sylbourne Miekle (South)
Michael Marshall (East Central)
Adrian Allen (Central)
Clive Dunkley (North)
Clarendon
Kevin Reid (North)
Cecil Rhone (South)
Paul Melford (Central)
St. Catherine
Wilston Patterson (Portmore)
Wayne Capper (Linstead)
Huberth Leslie (Central A)
Michael James (Central B)
Harlow Johnson (Old Harbour)
Persons interested in joining the League may complete and submit registration forms through the parish presidents. Officially branded shirts are available to registrants.
Members are also encouraged to register as professionals and/or businesses at www.adventistbusinessnetworkdirectory.com which is run by the Adventist Laymen’s Services and Industries (ASI) in JAMU.