Pathfinders and Youth Leaders Step Forward in Expanded Role at Grand Gala 2026

For many years, the Pathfinder Ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica has served faithfully as part of the National Uniformed Groups Association’s contribution to major national events. From the Grand Gala to the Hear the Children Cry Ceremony, King’s House Awards Ceremony, World War II Soldiers’ Commemoration, and other state functions, our Pathfinders have consistently represented our faith and people with discipline, excellence, and a spirit of service.

 

Traditionally, Pathfinder involvement in Grand Gala has included serving as Keepers of the Grounds Marshals and participating in the Guard of Honour for the March Past, but Grand Gala 2026 marked a significant expansion of that role.

An Opportunity, Again

This year, the Pathfinders were entrusted with helping to plan and lead the Drill and March Display, along with the Drum Display. This was no small undertaking: it combined synchronised drill and marching, percussion and instruments, choreography, lighting effects, and constant adjustments to formations and spacing.

 

The project had originally been envisioned for the previous year, but approval came too late for proper execution. When the opportunity returned, final approval came in late June—almost too late again—leaving only a short window to prepare.

 

Despite this, the team sprang into action. Meetings were held with the Jamaica Defence Force, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, and Uniform Group Association leadership. The creative concept and proposal were rapidly developed. Planning teams refined the display. Youth leaders coordinated recruitment. Parents organised transportation, and the Pathfinders committed themselves to an intense practice schedule.

 

Rehearsals were held on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays beginning at 5:30 p.m., often going well beyond the planned 8:00 p.m. end time. Several overnight sessions were also held, where our dedicated men and women trained through fatigue, changing attendance numbers, weather interruptions, and scheduling conflicts—including the need to balance Gala preparation with other major Church and community responsibilities.

 

On the night, their skill and preparation were thoroughly tested. Many of our uniformed men and women had to move from one responsibility to the next with almost no margin for error—making rapid costume changes in the tunnel, returning to deliver the display with excellence, and responding quickly to the many demands of a tightly compressed programme.

 

This year’s presentation brought together approximately 200 volunteers—Master Guides, Counsellors, Drill Instructors, and regular Pathfinders—from the East, West, and Central Jamaica Conferences. In addition to their display responsibilities, they served in other major areas of national duty, including the Guard of Honour for the March Past, Keepers of the Grounds Marshals, and First Aid support. Nineteen Master Guides, senior youth leaders, and other Adventist youth served as volunteer “first aiders” during the event, assisting the Ministry of Health & Wellness team of medical professionals, EMTs, and the Red Cross.

Leadership Matters

Such a vital display required agile leadership and strong logistical support. Pastor Joel Jumpp, Youth Director of the East Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, along with drill major and coordinator Ifatoya Blackwood and administrative professional Tahlia Foreman, provided significant administrative, financial, and logistical support, doing much of the behind-the-scenes work that helped move the project forward. Rossaun Gooden served as the creative lead, developing the original display concept, preparing a detailed proposal, and attending coordination meetings. Andre Campbell and Oneil Simpson served as drum majors, leading the percussion and instruments. Brother C. Furze coordinated West Jamaica’s drum and instrument participation, while Hailey Grey coordinated West Jamaica’s drill and march section. Pastor Dwayne Scott, Youth Director at the Jamaica Union of SDAs, lent strength to the execution of the event—especially in coordinating transportation for Pathfinders from across the field, refreshments, and the shirts they all wore with pride.

Special mention to Captain Easton Daly, Vice Chairman of the Uniform Group Association, and Colonel Oral Khan, Chairman, who helped facilitate meetings and requisite approvals.

 

A Lasting Impact

A key element of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Pathfinder Ministry is to help young people grow spiritually, mentally, physically, and socially while developing discipline, leadership, service, teamwork, and commitment to God. Pathfinders are trained not only to perform, but to serve.

Grand Gala gave the young people an opportunity to live out that mission on a national stage before national and civic leaders and the gathered body of Jamaicans. Through their involvement, they represented both Church and country, demonstrating that Christian youth can be entrusted with meaningful responsibility and contribute meaningfully—and excellently—to civic life while maintaining a spirit of faith, humility, and service.

Grand Gala 2026 will be remembered not only for the spectacle on the field, but for the sacrifice behind it. It was the story of young people, surrounded by committed leaders, parents, and church administrators, who showed discipline when tired, courage when challenged, unity when plans changed, and excellence when the moment arrived.