ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — The inaugural staging of the St Elizabeth police’s gospel concert in Black River on Thursday is being hailed as a success with political, business and religious leaders lauding the leadership of law enforcement in the southern-central parish.

Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth South West Floyd Green, who was among patrons at the event, said the concert showcased the faith of citizens five months after their lives and livelihood were severely disrupted by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa.

“I think it is an excellent event. I really want to commend Superintendent Minto and the team. I think it is exactly what is needed for this time as we go into the Easter season, a celebration of God and his sacrifices for us,” Green said.

“Black River has been through a lot and I think the best way to get over the trauma [and] challenge is events of this nature that bring the community together with the police and continue on our journey to rebuild Black River together as a community,” he added.

He pointed to the concert’s theme of Resilience, Rebuild, Rejoice in emphasising the joy among citizens at the event.

“The people are having a tremendous time you can just feel the energy, clearly high quality performances and people are enjoying themselves, but more than that people see the bigger picture,” said Green.

“The theme is about resilience. The theme is about rebuilding and rejoicing and the building are showing their resilience. We are going to rebuild together and you can see the rejoicing,” he added.

Gospel artiste Kevin Downswell delivered a breathtaking performance during the event.

Owen Rowe, a sponsor of the event as well as owner and director of West Palm events, lauded the St Elizabeth police for organising the gospel concert.

“I think it is a great initiative by the JCF and Superintendent Minto. Black River needed this. It is Holy Thursday and there can’t be a better time to actually bring across something like this,” he said.

“… We just wanted to be a part of it and wanted to help give back to Black River and that’s why we are here as sponsors,” he added.

Reverend Tommy Lee, whose moment of praise with his daughter went viral during Hurricane Beryl, was also among patrons lifting praises on Thursday night.

“It means a lot to me, because knowing what we have been through for the past two years with the two storms the St Elizabeth police headed by Superintendent Minto is able to put on this concert is really brings back that joy and that glorious feeling back to this area at this point in time,” he said.

“Let us just continue to lift up God and trust God and believe God that in spite of what we have been through the Lord can lift us out of everything,” he added.

President of the Black River Chapter the St Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce Kadian Myers-Brown shared a similar sentiment.

“Easter is a time for reflection and sharing. For many what would have been less than a customary period, the St Elizabeth Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) under the leadership of Superintendent Coleridge Minto revived this energy with its Gospel Concert 2026. The theme could not be more fitting, resilience; rebuild; rejoice. All three were on display last night as was evident, St Elizabethans of all ages came out despite obvious and ongoing circumstances, they rejoiced and reflected through the many songs sung, that with our faith we remain steadfast, as restoration is sure and we will continue to rejoice and be glad,” said Myers-Brown.

“Huge commendations to the JCF team and all the sponsors and stakeholders, especially those from the Business community of Black River who were all instrumental in the successful execution of the event. It was well needed, it was refreshing and the hope is that this can continue to be a yearly celebration,” she added.

Superintendent Minto reiterated his gratitude to the sponsors of the event.

“A number of sponsors have indicated interest to be a part of the show next year and even others who didn’t sponsor the inaugural show are now willing to come on board,” he said.

— Kasey Williams

(Video: Kasey Williams)