Concerned about the increasing levels of crime and violence in the country, Reverend Clovis Foster told his congregation during yesterday morning’s Labour Day service that Jamaica is rapidly becoming a “sinful nation”.

“Never before in the history of our nation has there been so much greed… and criminal activities. We are heading down a path that leads to total destruction and degradation,” he bellowed from the pulpit to his congregation at the Clifton New Testament Church of God in Kingston. “Sadly Jamaica is becoming a fast replacement for Port Royal (that was sunk by an earthquake 1692), a Sodom and Gomorrah.”

Interspersed among his warnings, the man of the cloth urged adherence to what he described as the three basic principles that can enhance nation building – righteousness, discipline and respect for the sacredness and value of human life.

“These principles are not only important for nation building, but are fundamental for the survival of our people,” he said.

Noting that 563 persons have been killed since the beginning of the year, Rev Foster described Jamaicans as a people in pursuit of their own destruction.

“We are a people on the brink of a catastrophe… God help us,” he said.

In keeping with the theme of the Labor Day service, “Road safety first – avoid the worst”, Rev Foster also expressed concern about the carnage on the roads.

“The statistics of road accidents and the result of road fatalities are cause for great concern,” he said. “It might be me or you next.”

As he reminded his congregation about the rules of the road, Rev Foster quoted statistics that showed that between 2002 and 2003 more than 700 persons were killed in traffic accidents, including 109 children between the ages of 10 and 14.

“With 142 days gone in the year, there were 114 fatal accidents,” he said, adding that this number is greater than the statistic for the previous year.

The most frequent causes of road accidents are speeding, he said, followed by improper overtaking and negligent pedestrians. The children were not left out of his sermon, as he spoke of the need to ensure that they are properly educated about the rules of the road.

Meanwhile, Governor General Howard Cooke, in a message read by Councillor Angela Brown-Burke, urged all Jamaicans to participate in the various Labour Day projects aimed at improving roads in their respective communities.

“The preservation of life has to be our priority and we are indeed all responsible for each other,” he said.

Education Minister Maxine Henry-Wilson, in her message that was presented by Councillor Delroy Williams, also beseeched the community to take part in the Labour Day activities.

“As in the past, we are appealing to all community groups… to become involved in repairing or restoring the community facilities,” she said.

Prime Minister PJ Patterson, in his message that was read by president of the Senate Syringa Marshall-Burnett, urged Jamaicans participating in Labour Day projects to take time out to appreciate the sacrifices workers have made in signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

“I am pleased that this year, the workers of Jamaica have come together with government and other sectors with a new spirit of partnership which resulted in the signing of the MOU,” the prime minister said. “There is a clear signal that workers of Jamaica have accepted that all sectors are dependent… Through the MOU our workers have demonstrated that they are prepared to work together for the good of the entire nation.”