Northern Caribbean University (NCU) Media Group celebrated twelve years of ministry in Jamaica at a special church service held under the theme ‘It is well: From Anxiety to Assurance’ at the Meadowvale SDA Church in Kingston on November 26, 2022. Worshipers were taken to heavenly places through the rich musical presentations from some of the top singing groups in the island.
Dr. Meric Walker, President and former Chairman NCU Media Advisory Board speaking at the Meadowvale SDA Church on November 26, 2022 :: Photo credit: Phillip Castell
Speaking with passion and commanding the attention of his listeners in both the packed Meadowvale Church and those watching online, Pastor Meric Walker, president of East Jamaica Conference (EJC) and former chairman of NCU Media Advisory Board, challenged the media group to arise to new heights, echoing the sentiments of new Media Advisory Board Chairman, Elder Nigel Coke.
“NCU media must arise as never before because we are living in serious days and if we have a song to sing, let us sing it now,” Dr. Walker said. “If we have a message to share, and yes we do, let us share that message now, and if you have money to sponsor and help NCU, give it now.”
The EJC Conference president spoke with urgency and referenced NCU media as “one of the beams of light that will envelope the heralding of the gospel in the last days.”
Using Philippians 4: 6-7 as his key scripture passage as he addressed the theme during his message, Dr. Meric Walker encouraged the Media group to move forward without being anxious because they were being led by the Lord.
“NCU Media must arise with new strength and be not removed because the Lord will lead you through the darkness and you will see brighter tomorrows. The scripture says be anxious for nothing because the Lord is your leader,” Walker said.
Elder Nigel Coke, Communcations & Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Director, JAMU and Chairman, NCU Media Advisory Board :: Photo credit: Phillip Castell
Newly elected NCU Media Advisory Board Chairman, Elder Nigel Coke, commended the staff and workers of the Media Group team for their work and commitment over the past twelve years and highlighted that the media group has an important role to play in Jamaica which is currently bedeviled with crime and violence over successive government administrations.
According to Coke, “The August 2022 poll done by Don Anderson said 41% of Jamaicans believe there is a connection between music and crime and violence. Another 30% believes that music influences crime and violence. So in all, 71% of Jamaicans believe that the music that is played and the music that we listen have an influence on us, and in particular, that poll said crime and violence . This is saying to me that as NCU Media Group moves into adolescent, we aught to be giving the wind a mighty voice,” Coke said, suggesting that the positive Christian music being played on the NCU FM radio station can have a positive impact on the country. “We need to wake the town and tell the people because we have souls to win for Christ,” he added.
Coke was consistent with the message he shared with the church and with the media Advisory board members with whom he spoke only a few days ago. “Our thrust is mission and evangelism. It’s not about popularity of host, it is not about nice music, it is about transforming lives through education and wellness.” He solicited the support of church members for the the media group, including their money.
General Manager NCU Media Group, Mr. Arnold Kelly speaking at the Meadowvale SDA CHurch :: Photo credit: Phillip Castell
General Manager, NCU Media Group general manager, Arnold Kelly was thankful for the support the media group had received over the years and payed tribute to some of the foundation stalwarts who had the foresight and vision that led to the birth of the NCU radio station.
“We are celebrating twelve years of existence but even before we started there are names we can’t stop calling like Dwayne Cheddar, Everette Wiles, Noreen Daley, Pastor Danhue Gordon, Bryan Johnson,” Kelly said when he addressed the church.
“We want to say thanks to God for the vision he planted in these individuals including Dr. Herbert Thompson who felt the need to go beyond the community and to reach out to the entire Jamaican population seeking an island wide radio licence which was granted back then,” he added.
“Since that time we have indeed made a mark through God’s grace. Through our education and wellness thrust, we have seen many lives changed,” Kelly remarked. “ Last week I saw a student who came to me and said, “Mr. Kelly, you probably don’t remember me but you came to our school with Acts of Kindness some time ago. I was a recipient at the time and now I am here at NCU,”” Kelly said beaming from ear to ear. “I felt sooo Good,” he added.
NCU Media Group Manager Arnold Kelly addressing members of the church at the Meadowvale SDA Church during their special twelfth anniversary service on November 26, 2022. :: Photo credit: Phillip Castell
Mr. Kelly was pleased to introduce members of his NCU Media group staff and volunteers who had travelled from Mendeville to participate at the special service. Team members present included Mrs. Fabia Phillips-Lawrence, Programs Manager, Ms. Patricia Grant, Outside Broadcast and Special Events Manager, Ms. Stacey Williams, Office Manager, Mrs. Nadia Pitkin, host of Cruisin, Mr. Mical Forsythe host of the The Drive, Mrs. Jhonilee Forsythe and Truston Grizzle from the News Team and Mr. Gosford Lawrence and Bryan Johnson who both have been with NCU Media group before the official launch twelve years ago.