‘Religious discrimination has no face’
The faith community in Jamaica used the recent religious liberty summit to remind employers, educational institutions, politicians, and other stakeholders to respect and accommodate citizens’ spiritual beliefs in practise, not just in policy. “Religious discrimination has no face, no class or colour, no race or ethnicity… We have to work with governments, international organisations, and other partners to encourage religious freedom and tackle related challenges,” Nigel Coke, director of public affairs and religious liberty at Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, said in his remarks at the January 30 summit at Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston.
Flexi-week legislation vital in safeguarding workers’ rights, says minister
As cultural and religious diversity flourishes in Jamaica, the need for workplaces to adapt and support the rights of all employees has never been more crucial, noted Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr.
Pastors told to be on their guard
President of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church in Jamaica, Everett Brown is warning that the Church is not insulated from false teachers and false teaching. He issued the warning on Saturday during an ordination service for seven ministers at Mandeville Seventh-day Adventist Church in Manchester, while speaking to the congregation and church leaders.
Malahoo Forte reaffirms constitutional protection for religious liberty
KINGSTON, Jamaica–Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs Marlene Malahoo Forte has reiterated the constitutional safeguards for religious freedom. She emphasised that “if the State enacts a general law within its power to advance secular goals, the statute remains valid despite any indirect burden on religious observance.”
Gov’t committed to ensuring respect for religious freedom and diversity - PM
The Government remains committed to ensuring that the country’s laws and policies reflect respect for religious freedom and diversity, says Prime Minister, Dr Andrew Holness. He said that the Administration will continue to engage with religious organisations, the private sector and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to review existing policies and practices to ensure that religious liberties are upheld in alignment with Jamaica's laws and international human rights.
Adventists say advocacy for flexibility not a bid for preferential treatment
The Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is adamant that its advocacy for “flexibility” so its members can observe their Sabbath is not a bid for “preferential treatment”. This as the 307,000-member strong organisation prepares to mount its January 30 summit which is designed to “highlight the disrespect for the religious rights and beliefs of individual and denominational organisations” and foster dialogue and understanding among different religious groups in Jamaica while emphasising the importance of respective diverse beliefs.