The Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is adamant that its advocacy for “flexibility” so its members can observe their Sabbath is not a bid for “preferential treatment”.
This as the 307,000-member strong organisation prepares to mount its January 30 summit which is designed to “highlight the disrespect for the religious rights and beliefs of individual and denominational organisations” and foster dialogue and understanding among different religious groups in Jamaica while emphasising the importance of respective diverse beliefs. The conference, to be held at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston and which feature presentations by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Chief Justice Bryan Sykes and religious leaders, is also focused on raising awareness about the significance of religious liberty as a fundamental human right, encouraging collaboration between religious and community leaders; highlighting challenges faced by some workers in the private and public sector; and highlight student challenges in high and tertiary institutions regarding class, exams, coursework and hairstyles.
“As much as you believe that we want preferential treatment, as much as you believe that we might be unfair in wanting dialogue, wanting respect, I am saying that the Seventh-day Adventist Church, we recognise essential services,” Nigel Coke, public affairs and religious liberty director for the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, told Observer editors and reporters Monday while addressing the weekly Monday Exchange forum of the newspaper at its Beechwood Avenue offices.
“The adventist is a doctor and a nurse and a police officer and a fireman and they come under that umbrella and we are flexible in that light because essential services means saving lives and property. If there is a natural disaster, earthquake, all hands are on deck. We are not this set of people who believe that this day is so holy that there is nothing,” Coke stated.