A lot has been said about who is best for the post of Opposition leader and ultimately Prime Minister of Jamaica, and the time has come when our nation — well specifically the delegates of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) — will go to the polls.

The Caribbean Conference of Seventh Day Christians (CCSDC) applauds the democratic process and the enthusiasm displayed by the delegates. We wish to provide a template for voters as they make this critical decision which will have lasting impact on our island nation.

Jamaica requires an Opposition leader who will not just speak of morality, but will also practice truth and honesty. Delegates should consider voting for a leader with Godly principles, one who possesses the integrity of Joseph.

Joseph displayed integrity and did not compromise God’s standards, though he was tried and tested by events in life that could have left him bitter and angry. He had a close relationship with God and remained steadfast regardless of the seemingly undeserved adversities and trials he was forced to endure.

Jamaica, in its current state, needs an Opposition, and ultimately a leader, of similar characteristics, one who will stand amidst all adversities and rely on the Lord’s leading. It is full time that we understand and fully realise that, for Jamaica to be cleansed and totally healed, it needs a leader who possesses Godly characteristics, and will not be swayed by money nor lured into corruption, but will stand with integrity at all cost.

Jamaica deserves an Opposition Leader who possesses a sense of calm and control under pressure like Nehemiah. Learning that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down, Nehemiah asked the king for permission to return and rebuild Jerusalem. He took measures to repopulate the city and purify the Jewish community and, more importantly, enforced the cancellation of debts. The issues that were plaguing Jerusalem are evident in Jamaica. Jamaicans are by nature confrontational. It is all too evident that when things are not going in a manner in which the people expect, the leaders are placed under increasing pressure. For a similar transformation to occur there must be a leader who is set apart, who has good self-control, and will not retaliate at the first sign of defiance. A leader, like Nehemiah, in the face of opposition and pressure overcame the negative elements and ruled for 12 years with righteousness and justice. Purification is far more than a physical process of cleansing; Jamaica needs a leader who will inspire mental purification, and will foster spiritual acculturation.

As you go to the polls, select a leader who, by his past, places people first and not his personal agenda and party loyalty; a leader like our Master and Lord. There is no doubt or question that Jesus was the greatest of all leaders known to man. He was a team builder, he was not self-centred or self-promoting, and he displayed great vision. With a ‘people/mankind first’ mentality, Jesus lived his life to empower and save others. It has been too long, that leaders are placed in authority and use their positions to build themselves, their families and their friends. What about the masses, the less fortunate and those without a voice. Jamaica need leaders who are aware of the struggles, who will put people first, who will not act greedily but at the height of his physical suffering, will allow love to prevail and will seek the Father’s intervention on Jamaica’s behalf. It is full time we look beyond the surface to a leader of substance whose political history whether triumphs or failures are of high standards.

Is there one who can stand as a role model for our young men? Is there one whose past will motivate Jamaicans at home and abroad to have confidence in the democratic system? Who among the two, even in the face of adversity will not relinquish his high standards? Who will restore hope to the hopeless? Who will quell the frustration of the troubled communities? Who will stand among the immoral forces as David stood before Goliath? Who is best for Jamaica. land we love? Delegates, consider Titus 1:7-9.

The above is from the Caribbean Conference of Seventh Day Christians, headquartered at 67c Waltham Park Road, Kingston 11 caribbeanconferencesdc@gmail.com