Seventh-day Adventist-owned and operated Northern Caribbean University (NCU), is one of four tertiary institutions where 8 scholarships commemorating the 80th anniversary of the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) will be tenable in 2023.
NCU has been contributing to nation-building through education for over a century with numerous graduates giving outstanding service in civic roles.
Speaking at the anniversary worship service hosted by the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDAC) Portmore on July 8, Prime Minister and JLP leader, Andrew Holness, said the scholarships will each value up to $500,000 yearly for a maximum of three years.
They cover studies in environment and climate change, biotechnology and biochemistry, the creative arts, agriculture, journalism, social work, business, finance, and history.
Holness also announced that as an offering, the JLP would contribute $500,000 towards installing air conditioning at SDAC Portmore which Francis West pastors.
Central Jamaica Conference (CJC) president, Pastor Nevail Barrett, welcomed the opportunity to worship with JLP top brass including Holness and his wife, Juliet, government ministers, members of parliament, mayors, and councilors. SDA members in the JLP ranks who were present include St.Catherine South Eastern MP Robert Miller, an ordained elder at SDAC Spanish Town, and Kingston Central MP, Donovan Williams.
“God has a vested interest in the governance of this country. We must never think that it's just about us at church. We are happy, Prime Minister, to host you and your team today…We are praying for you,” Barrett said.
Barrett also presented the PM, who has SDA roots, with two books by SDA authors which he said are relevant to national planning- “Last Day Events” by Ellen G. White and “Healthy Foods” by Dr. George D. Pamplona Roger.
Director of Sabbath School and Personal Ministries at the Jamaica Union, Pastor Adrian Cotterell, delivered the sermon based on Exodus 18 in which Moses receives counsel from his father-in-law, Jethro, for leading the newly emancipated nation of Israel.
“Jethro did not criticize Moses but suggested an excellent management strategy in support of his ministry. God expects us to support our government and not just stand by ridiculing them…[and] like Moses, leaders should be willing to listen and take advice,” Cotterell said.
He lauded both the JLP and the People’s National Party (PNP) for upholding the right to freedom of worship through successive governments. He also noted that “Jamaica is one of the best examples of democracy in the world” and emphasized that those governing should continue this legacy.