The National Leadership Prayer Breakfast (NLPB) Committee, organiser of the annual NLPB, has announced that the 2023 event will be focused on the rebuilding of strong and safe communities in Jamaica.

The event, which will see its 43rd staging on Thursday, January 19, 2023, is being sponsored by the VM Group and will be hosted under the theme, ‘Strengthening Communities Through Peace, Justice and Forgiveness.’

The 2023 edition of the breakfast returns to a dual format – in person and virtual – with national leaders gathering at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel for a 7:30 am start.

A formal press briefing is slated for Wednesday, January 11 at 10:00 am, at which the NLPB Committee is expected to disclose details of the charitable project for this year’s proceeds.

The event will also be preceded by a Week of Prayer beginning January 12. A National Leadership Prayer Service is set for Sunday, January 15 at 10:15 am at the Church of the Open Bible, Washington Boulevard, which will focus on prayers for members of the security forces. Other prayer themes for the NLPB Week of Prayer will be centred on prayers for religious leaders, families and community leaders, public sector leaders, education leaders, health sector leaders, private sector leaders, and political leaders.

Reiterating the significance of the event to national life, chairman of the NLPB Committee Rev Sam McCook said that given the many social, spiritual, and economic challenges we face as Jamaicans, including those caused by the pandemic and the ongoing global uncertainty, the focus on strengthening communities is timely and that the theme of ‘Human reconnection’ and greater communal harmony were vital and worthy to be sought and encouraged.

“We aim, as we always have, through the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast and the associated Week of Prayer, to inspire, equip, and encourage leaders at all levels and in all sectors, especially in our families and communities, to be peacemakers and promoters of the values and behaviours that will create healthy and thriving communities for the good of all our citizens as we come together and seek God’s guidance in order to better tackle the serious issues that face us all,” said McCook

Group president and CEO of the VM Group Courtney Campbell said the organisation was pleased to return as primary sponsor of the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast.

“November this year will be VM’s 145th anniversary of purposeful, committed partnership with our members and clients. Our mission of transforming lives is more energised than ever, and our ambitions for the future are more audacious because we are confident in God’s continued guidance and sustenance.

“We support the meaningful, purpose-driven work of the NLPB Committee wholeheartedly and look forward to another successful staging of this important national event,” said Campbell.

Main speaker for this year’s renewal is Bishop Christine Gooden-Benguche, OD, the first female president of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas, Jamaica District.

David Salmon, Rhodes Scholar for 2023 and The University of the West Indies valedictorian, class of 2022, will serve as this year’s youth speaker and will offer prayers on behalf of the youth of Jamaica.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Leader of the Opposition Mark Golding will again do scripture readings at the event.

Since its start in 1981, the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast has facilitated unity and fellowship through prayer among the nation’s leaders.