André Jebbinson, Staff Reporter
Left: Gospel singer Stitchie performs as he endorses the Overcomers World Ministries launch of 'Transformation Jamaica: A Music Festival Against Crime and Violence', at the Hilton Kingston hotel, Knutsford Boulevard, New Kingston, on Monday. Right:
Guest speaker Dr. Leslie Rogers (left), Prophetic Missions International, Trinidad and Tobago, in discussion with Bishop Joseph Ade-Gold, president of Overcomers World Ministries, during launch of 'Transformation Jamaica: A Music Festival Against Crime and Violence'. - photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
Dr. Leslie Rogers of Trinidad has prophesied that Jamaica will be the diamond of the Caribbean. He was speaking at the launch of Overcomers World Ministries' Transformation Jamaica, a musical festival against crime and violence, held at the Hilton Kingston hotel in New Kingston, on Monday.
The occasion was to seal the launch of the 'vehicle through which Jamaica's top gospel, reggae and dancehall artistes will unite in their stance against crime'. The festival will take place at the National Stadium on October 25-27.
In his opening remarks, Bishop C.B. Peter Morgan noted that it was the "dawning of a new era, an era of peace." He also said the Overcomers World Ministries would not stop until the flood gates are opened and Jamaica's image as the crime capital of the world abolished.
Everyone seemed optimistic about the new venture as they nodded in agreement.
Great change to come
Also addressing the gathering was the president of Overcomers World Ministries, Bishop Joseph O. Ade-Gold. "By the leading of God, I was shown a picture of gospel artistes interacting with reggae and dancehall artistes, and all of them, with one voice, were speaking against crime and violence," the president said. "No doubt, even as the rhythm does, the vocabulary put in the music also has great influence on the lives of people. "
Different government agencies were also on hand to witness the start of something that many view as a large stepping-stone in the right direction. Invitations were given to both the leader of the Opposition, Bruce Golding and Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller. Speaking on behalf of the Mr. Golding, Derrick Smith, spokesperson on National Security, gave crime statistics pointing out that crime has decreased in previous years, but went back up. He noted that the only way crime can be reduced on a sustainable basis is with the church's involvement.
Touching testimony
Seeing that the festival will feature top Jamaican entertainers, many of them were also present to give their support. Ministers Stitchie, Omari and Moses gave their support with testimonies and performances. The compelling testimony was that of Moses, who brought tears to many eyes. He grew up in Trench Town and owned an M16 gun at 16. He was shot three times, including in the face. He recovered and is spreading the Word.
Dr. Rogers accurately gave prophecies that Venezuelan president, Hugo Chavez and Prime Minister Simpson Miller will head their respective country. So when he predicted a brighter future for Jamaica, the announcement fell on receptive ears. He said the world is changing rapidly and that people need to see the "reality that the world is not a safe place."
Prime Minister Simpson Miller was unable to attend, but Bishop Ade-Gold read her speech in which she pledged her support for the project. "Music greatly influences the Jamaican culture and behaviour, and is therefore, an apt and effective channel through which to reach the people, particularly our young men and women."