Portia Simpson Miller, new prime minister of Jamaica, pledged before God and man yesterday that her administration would work closely with the church to tackle the country’s myriad problems, announcing at the same time that she would instruct her ministers to name a pastor as chairman or member of all state boards they create.

“I intend on Monday, at my first Cabinet meeting, to instruct my ministers that every board, when they are creating them, must have a pastor as chairman, or as a member of the board, to ensure probity,” Simpson Miller promised a large congregation who attended her first church service since her elevation to the job as leader of the country, at the Kencot Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kingston.

The prime minister’s visit to the church was uninvited and was in keeping with her new-found spiritual thrust, highlighted by a stirring prayer at the beginning of her first speech, following her swearing-in as leader of government on Thursday evening at King’s House.

In the church supporting Simpson Miller were Industry, Commerce and Technology Minister Phillip Paulwell and former minister of environment and housing Easton Douglas, who marshalled the bruising campaign that led to her election as president of the PNP and consequently prime minister of Jamaica.

It was not immediately clear why she chose the Kencot Church, but the church’s youth choir sang on the programme at Simpson Miller’s swearing-in ceremony, and the church has frequently been used in the past to host government events. The Kencot SDA Church is located in Peter Phillips’ constituency but borders on Simpson Miller’s.

In her address to the congregation, Simpson Miller pledged to work closely with the churches in the island in several areas in the future, making special mention of education and family life.

She emphasised the need to align the church with national development, urged the church to take the government seriously and implored that church persons assist in changing the negative perception of politicians within the country.

“It is time that the church people understand that they have a role to play in national development,” said Simpson Miller. “That if we keep on saying we cannot get involved in politics, then who we get in politics is who we must accept.

“I want the churches to understand, you have to open up your arms to embrace your leaders. Politicians are seen as sinners, but the Master says that I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance,” she said to lusty cheers and amens from the worshippers.

In closing, Simpson Miller implored the congregation to “go down in prayer”, saying that only through prayer could the nation be healed. She also took the time to express her gratitude for the prayers she received during her campaign for the presidency of the People’s National Party (PNP).

At the end of her address, the elders of the church gathered around Simpson Miller for the laying on of hands by pastor of the church, Merrick Walker and a special prayer of blessings by Evangelist Fitz.

Simpson Miller concluded her visit by joining the congregation for the rest of the service and mingling with the crowd afterwards, delighting the children who mobbed her with hugs and signing autographs.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, keeping her promise to set an example of spirituality, is receiving the prayers of Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) evangelist Fitz Henry (left) at a service yesterday at the Kencot SDA Church in Kingson.