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‘Give the full, stinking truth, PM’

No nation can move ahead without truth, says pastor

BY PAUL HENRY Sunday Observer staff reporter henryp@jamaicaobserver.com

Sunday, May 16, 2010

OUTSPOKEN Adventist pastor Lorenzo King yesterday demanded that Prime Minister Bruce Golding tell the nation the "full, stinking truth" about the unfolding Manatt, Phelps & Phillips affair that has engulfed the governing party and triggered a chorus of cries for his resignation.

But Jamaicans may never hear the unbridled truth if a pronouncement made minutes earlier by the PM's wife is anything to go by.

According to Lorna Golding, her husband was unable to "say everything". She also begged congregants to "read between the lines".

King made the call for Golding to come clean during the weekly Saturday morning service at the Andrews Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kingston.

"We are saying to the nation, we are saying to the people of God, we want the truth; the stinking truth, because out of that will come the resurrection," King boomed, to overwhelming shouts of approval from the congregation.

"The truth is a weapon of evil when possessed by wicked people. We want the truth, we want all the truth that sets us free," King said, while expressing his distrust of official statements issued by governments in general.

Before delving into his sermon, King and the church choir held high placards that read, 'We want truth', which was also the theme of his sermon.

The pastor said he was willing to demonstrate along the roadway for the truth and asked for volunteers from the congregation. He also called for the establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission, similar to that formed in South Africa after the end of decades of apartheid, so governments' misdeeds can be ventilated to facilitate "healing and progress".

"No nation can move ahead without truth," said King, who oversees an affluent church which has among its worshippers Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen and the prime minister's wife.

During prayers for Golding and his family, King asked God to help the prime minister to be truthful.

"Help him to be honest and be truthful and to be prepared to abide by the consequences of truth," King prayed.

But the "full truth" that the nation has been clamouring for since the Manatt affair broke, may never come according to a statement by Mrs Golding, just moments before King's stirring sermon.

"I must tell you, Bruce is fine," Mrs Golding told the congregation, while outlining that she has been drawing strength and inspiration from the Bible.

"He is taking some responsibility that he has to take and whatever he says you must read between the lines because he can't say everything," added Mrs Golding who appeared frail, an apparent sign of the weight of the crisis that has engulfed her husband.

The furore over the hiring of the US law firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips to lobby Washington for a favourable outcome in the contentious Christopher 'Dudus' Coke extradition matter, and the apparent web of deceit spun by the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), escalated last week Tuesday when the prime minister, after much denial and pressure from the Opposition and other groups, announced in Parliament that he was the one who gave the OK for the engagement of the firm.

Golding, however, maintained that Manatt was hired on behalf of the JLP and not the Government. Manatt is, however, saying otherwise.

The prime minister's confession came weeks after he ordered JLP General Secretary Karl Samuda to undertake an investigation into the controversial matter.

Samuda, in his "findings", issued a release on April 27 stating that persons within the JLP approached Jamaican attorney Harold Brady "to see whether, through his wide network of international contacts, he could assist in facilitating the opening of discussions between the US authorities and the Government of Jamaica, and thereby seek to resolve what had become a treaty dispute between the US and Jamaica".

But Opposition parliamentarian Dr Peter Phillips, who first alerted the country to the Manatt issue on March 16, said that Samuda's statement raised more questions than it provided answers.

He questioned what interest the JLP, as a political party, would have in treaty matters between two governments and said the statement suggested that the JLP was confusing its party political interests and its responsibilities to the people of Jamaica and the public interest.

Last Tuesday, Golding told the Parliament that the US$49,892.62 used to hire the law firm came from party financiers.

But his admission of his role in the matter, as well as his attempt to separate his responsibilities as JLP leader from those as prime minister triggered a landslide of calls for his resignation.

Among those calling for Golding to step down were the Opposition, the powerful multi-denominational group Jamaica Council of Churches, human rights group Jamaicans For Justice, and the general public. The Jamaica Manufacturers' Association and the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce have called for further disclosure from the prime minister and an apology.

Those vocalising their displeasure with Golding said he had dealt deceptively with the Jamaican public.

However, his supporters, mostly party members, are maintaining that Golding, with his admission, has dealt forthrightly with the public.

But as the pressure mounted, Golding, his Cabinet and members of the party's parliamentary group last Friday held a series of extensive meetings, reportedly discussing, among other things, the mounting calls for his resignation.

An announcement on the matter is expected from the prime minister today.

The whole saga has been triggered by a request from the US Government last August for Coke's extradition. The Golding-led administration has refused to sign the extradition order for Coke, whose stronghold of Tivoli Gardens lies within the prime minister's West Kingston constituency.

Yesterday, during his soul-searching message, King charged that governments have always ruled with lies and prayed for God to rid the country of corruption.

"Government everywhere is not about the business of truth-telling but in retaining power," King said.

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COMMENTS (24)

Peter A. P. Gordon
5/16/2010

I am having a challenge grappling with the thought as to whether or not the Seventh-day Adventist Church as an organisation was in support of the utterances of the pastor and conduct of the choir members at the Andrews Memorial SDA Church on Sabbath, May 15, 2010.
Members of the church will probably have strong political preferences, but a Pastor and his members, in the capacity of representing the church, must guard against the perception of political bias. A pastor should not allow political views, public outcry and euphoria to disengage his thinking from objectivity and right principles. The pronouncements of pastor King and placard-holding choir members had a strong political stench!

Richard Edwards
5/16/2010

Pastor Lorenzo, I hate to tell you this sir, but the person called Bruce Golding that you are calling on to tell the "full stinking truth", is incapable of doing just that . As a matter of fact he cannot even tell a straight lie, so don't hold your breath sir. But what you can do for this fellow called Bruce, is to use this weekend's offering and offer him a safe passage out of Jamaica, to that little country called Tivoli, no hotel reservations required and you don't have to rent him a car, the people on that island will make sure his time spent there will be a memorable one.
Richard Edwards. NYC
betterlifeforjamaicans@yahoo.com

Tracy Jackson
5/16/2010

Dues it mean that Mrs Golding also know more....deceit after deceit......Thank you Jesus...God is faithful......Bruce should have known better but because of the greed and the hunger....I was right....Bruce and the JLP were not interested in making Jamaica better .... they are like John Crow birds picking on the flesh of innocent Jamaicans...better yet they are like vampires ...we work hard blood sweat and tears and then them suck we alive ...then give the gunman the go ahead to kill we and dispose of us after dem done wid we....God help us all ...is Bruce the Antichrist that's why him not going to resign...

Nah Lef Yah
5/16/2010

Do you know of any gvt who provide 'the full stinking thruth'? So politically immature. If the US and other countries should reveal the 'the full stinking thruth' about the dirty deeds of their intelligence agencies the world would explode in a ball of fire. Full disclosures on security initiatives doesn't all suit the best interest of a nation. Full disclosures can cause the loss of many lives. Stop behaving like children.

God Bless
5/16/2010

I thought the church was in the business of hating the sin and loving the people not bashing the people because of the sin. May the love of God and the peace that surpasseth all understanding be with us all during this time of rage and hatred.

Chuck Emanuel
5/16/2010

Those who lead, or aspire to lead our people must be measured by the guiding principles of INTEGRITY, MORALITY abd the RULE of LAW.
The fact is, the quest and the request for "TRUTH" in this sordid affair (corruption and criminality) did not just some how began with the "church", or "churches" calling a spade a spade, did it ?.
What is more disturbing in my view is that some citizens are more interested in lecturing the "church" about the morality of telling the "truth", than calling on the Prime Minister to speak the truth.
You just cannot have it both ways.
All decent law-abiding Jamaicans must speak out on these issues of corruption and criminality because while there are many "churches", there is only one Jamaica land we love.

dave brown
5/16/2010

so what? i will join the church and the pastor and demonstrate

Tracy Jackson
5/16/2010

The PM has sold his soul to the devil, has made a pact with the devil and is fearful of the real consequences that come when you have to confess your sins. You can't confess your sins partially..are u mad...you have been so selfish by sacrificing the entire Jamaica including your family to your benefit...you know what was happening so don't pretend and expect pity...be a man..step down and save yourself..we have to think now how to regain the confidence of the world after the mess you and your party members have caused..Jamaican people are not stupid...Ms Golding save your husband and talk what you know or else you will also sink with him...we can't read through the lines and you should not be asking us to do that either...quite cheeky mi grannie would a sey...

Richie L
5/16/2010

Rev King, you share the name of my hero, Martin Luther King, Jr., please emulate him and call for marches to Jamaica House and Gordon House.
.
Keep this up until bruce golden resigns.
.
Richie

David Armstrong
5/16/2010

the only way the truth is going to come out is if a commission of inquiry is set up. I suggested recently that the GG should call for a Truth and Reconcilliation Commission. The objectives of this commission should be to investigate the connections of politicians with dons and make recommendations that would dismantle this evil system. This connection is a serious problem that has contributed to the pervasive corruption and escalation of crime in Jamaica. The PM, the JLP and the PNP politicians are unable to dismantle this don connection becaus ethey are too entrenched in this system.

Theo Nelson
5/16/2010

On the Other hand Delroy the pastor is also a Jamaican and influential amongst his congregation. It has to be a matter he feels strongly about and I can say most Jamaicans are also hence the response of his congregation. It is withing his responsibilities to mention things that are affecting God's people and pose possible solutions based on a biblical stand point which he did. I am quite sure every church is praying about the state of this country and also are asking for answers from the PM. But I can say calling for a demonstration is a bit extreme though.

J NR
5/16/2010

Lorna, I feel your pain however , Bruce had called this on himself, he is in charge of the military, if he knew DUDUS was a monster, he should have ensured since he took power he did what was necessary to flush him out. Here is an opportunity, the US needs him. Quite the delaying tactics send the monster away. I honestly don’t want to “read between the lines”. Bruce, resign today please?
Well done Pastor King, I am reassured by your firm stance for the truth even if you lose one or two of the highest tide paying members of your congregation.
Lorna, you get what you went for; Payer. Now go home and deliver the message, I’m sure it was the first time you saw a church choir with Placards… god told them you would be the messenger… less I forget, so as to ensure the rebuilding process get going today, Bruce need to resign so that our Party ( JLP) can reposition itself to recover from this and take on the PNP in the next general election.
No time for selfish consideration please!!! Resign at once!

Nicolas Henry
5/16/2010

The churches in jamaica have no power or influence . A deacon was recently shot and killed while he knelt at his bed praying. I read it in the observer. They need to call on BRUCE to arrest the DUDUS and have him extradited. That's the only apology I would accept and the only truth that need to be revealed. Continue more of the same and expect different results. Jamaicans rise up and fight the hoodlums and take back your country for you, your kids and your grand childrens future. Some of us might die in the process, we are dying daily anyway innocently. Stop being cowards. Call openly for the arest and public parading of the boy and show the world seh wi not coward.

Headley Frater
5/16/2010

Mr. King your pronouncements are contentious and your argument about ‘Give the full, stinking truth, PM’ borders on cras and crude; though they may not be illegal, it certainly is distasteful coming from a so-called spiritual leader ??? Do you have Children in your congregation? is this how you bring them up, where will it end, where do you draw the line, what will happen ten years from now.
You actions reminds me of what you all accuse the Prime Minister of "Lack of Moral authority and Integrity". Whilst the foolhardy idealist would speculate that this politics and our democracy should have "Moral authority and Integrity" in its leadership, I would not expect that the CHURCH would be toeing a line that runs parallel to the image of the Politicians; I beg of you, stay out of the Partisan, dirty politicking, it does not befit you. Too much Politicking in the Church some are clearly in support of one or the another party.

JA Cynic
5/16/2010

The SDA can and will never give uits blessing to anyone ( including the GG) for instituting casino gaming into Jamaica.They will always view this, along with the typograpghical error in the signed Bill, as a sign.
So long as Golding cannot say the truth, the whole truth--irrespective of the aroma--and nothing but the truth, then he has rebuffed any divine initiative sanctioned by the Church.
JA Cynic

Headley Frater
5/16/2010

What is this madness I hear of the Church holding up placards during a service to which the PM's wife may or may not have been invited just to seek some limelight in the current imbroglio. This sensationalism and fan fair is taking things a bit too far and the Church is out of order, both for calling for the PM's resignation and Pastor King for getting involved and making assertions in support of one position or another; from whose cup does he drink... the father of Christianity said "be in the world and be no part of it" and further stated "give to caesar what belongs to caesar and God's things to God".
You obviously invited more controversy by inviting Mrs. Golding to speak, If you were foll. the example of JESUS CHRIST, you wouldn't have done what you did, stay clear of politics; by virtue of what the bible teaches, you are the ones without the moral authority. Jesus had every right to whip people like you from the TEMPLE of God, but he hasnt gone, you are Scribes and Pharisees.

Opal Gilbert
5/16/2010

I am a Seventh Day Adventist and I am truly disappointed in this approach. The church is supposed to be a place of refuge for all who need it. Mrs Golding probably came to church for a little peace and what did she get? The same thing on the streets. Where is the diference? How can the church then witness to sinners when their sins will be placed on a placard and displayed before the church.
I have been following the news closely in Jamaica and I have not seen or heard of the church demonstrating with placards in church against the muder of our Children and people but are doing so in the political arena. Please reexamine your prioities Pastor King.

Delroy Austin
5/16/2010

What isthi9s i just read? Pastor is leading demonstration in the church.I know that the church was political but it never come out so publickly. Did the pasror said he was going to protest on the road? I T WOULD BE A SAD DAY FOR JAMAICA .PASTOR WHAT ABOUT PRAYER WHAT ABOUT COUNSELING. DEMONSTRATION ON THE STREET???.This statement leads me to wonder if the church is now getting deeper into party politics. Did the church demonstrate when there was the GREEN BAY KILLING although there was no angel died there? What about the rolling deal.Praise the lord dread.Rasta was warning about the church long ago

cliff J.
5/16/2010

Mrs Golding ,that read between the line is a no BALL,if your husband cannot tell all he know , he have only one choice that to resign,you open a new can of worm here madam,not every body can read between the line,for instance my reading between the line,is that coke pay the law firm,the pm say other wise,the pm said its the JLP,which employ the law firm,not the government,but the law firm know better ,those deal are government to government deal,not private co.so my reading between the line the law firm is correct,the JLP,employ them,and the JLP is the government,so yes they are working for the govt.my reading between the line miss is that the pm,is a big lier,he let down the entire country,and must go,

Paul Lewis
5/16/2010

All you have to do Pastor, is step up the road and stand outside Jamaica House with your placards. I dont want to read between the lines...if he doesn't have the guts...let someone else do it. What is she saying... is the Don holding one of his kids hostage ?...if not...why is he allowing him to hold us hostage. Sacrifices have to be made...the people of Jamaica are sacrificing their lives everyday...shape-up or ship out.

Jay Brown
5/16/2010

Read between the lines, now you know.
I have been saying for weeks, Dudus is not the real focus or target of Bruce support.
Again read between the lines.
Bruce inherited a monster, but who gave birth to, suckled and supported this monster for a long long time.
Bruce is fighting for his and other political lives and the political life of the JLP.
Mrs Golding said read between the lines and very slowly too.
Only then will will get the "stinking" truth.

Raul Grant
5/16/2010

Feel you pain Mrs. Golding but your husband must do one last honourable thing for this country. Resign.

Niki Levy
5/16/2010

The choir members look like they just want excitement.

mark jones
5/16/2010

A good article but the most telling lines for me came from Mrs. Golding
"you must read between the lines because he cant say everything"
I find those words to be very instructive and symbolic of the monster that has overpowered the nation and captured political parties...the matter is bigger than him the statement seems to be suggesting.
Resign my brother walk away, if youre not involved directly dont be a fall guy for anybody......let the chips fall where they may

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