West Jamaica Conference Inaugurates New Leadership for 2026–2030

MONTEGO BAY, ST.JAMES — The West Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists inaugurated its newly elected leaders on Sabbath, August 29, 2026, at the Seventh-day Adventist Conference Centre in Mount Salem, Montego Bay, following the election of Conference officers and departmental directors during its Seventh Quadrennial Session in July of this year.

 

 

 

Addressing the congregation following his inauguration, Conference President Pastor Vincent G. Rose described his new role as an opportunity to serve and called on the Church to remain focused on mission, with prayer and personal devotion at its foundation.

 

“This is not an accomplishment but an opportunity for service. When men forsake you, it is good to know you are still in the hands of God. It’s not about me but about what God has done, what He is doing and what He will continue to do,” Rose said.

 

 

Calling mission the Church's number one priority, Rose challenged leaders to ensure that prayer remains central to church life.

 

“Rebuilding the church requires personal devotion. It is the key to retention and consolidation. Christ’s prayer is that we will bear much fruit and the fruit will remain. I want us to hand over a church where prayer is still paramount. A praying church is a strong church. The evidence shows that the mission has always thrived in adversity. It’s no time for the church to become distracted. I challenge my leaders and members, let’s work together.”

 

Pastor Glen O. Samuels, President of the Jamaica Union Conference, delivered the message and led portions of the Service of Consecration. He was joined by Jamaica Union Conference Executive Secretary Pastor Karl A. Archer and Treasurer Pastor Adlai Blythe in presenting the responsibilities of the Conference's principal officers: Pastor Vincent G. Rose, President; Pastor Vencot Dyer, Executive Secretary; and Mrs. Marion Barrett-Popkin, Treasurer. The service also included charges to the departmental directors and Executive Committee members.

 

In his message to the new leaders, Samuels cautioned against confusing popularity with Christian influence and stressed the responsibility of leaders to model the life of Christ.

 

“Ours is a nation that is more adept at having great followership than following the Lord Jesus Christ. Algorithms can give you a prestigious place in the social media arena. But in order to find a place in the kingdom of God you and I need to be genuine followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

 

Samuels said Christian leadership also requires hard work and a willingness to continue loving those being led when the task becomes difficult.

 

“Part of Christian leadership is to set an example of hard work so that others who look on do not find sanctuary in inactivity. Leadership must love people even when they test the mettle of your leadership, for we have been called to model the life of Jesus Christ and that is not an easy task.”

 

 

The service was attended by Custos Rotulorum of St. James, Bishop the Honourable Conrad Pitkin; Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon; and Assistant Commissioner of Police Glenford Miller, commanding officer for Area One.

 

In his remarks, Bishop Pitkin called on the new leadership to work together and extend the influence of the Church beyond its congregations.

 

“May the officers, directors and Executive Committee members work together in harmony, guided by the Holy Spirit and united in purpose,” Pitkin said. “May your leadership strengthen the church, inspire the membership, and make a meaningful difference in the wider community.”

 

 

The Mayor of Montego Bay commended the contribution of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to the development of the city.

 

“The Adventist faith has long been woven into the development of Montego Bay through education, health ministries and outreach. You have strengthened families, uplifted neighbourhoods and inspired civic progress,” Vernon said.

 

He added that the work of the Church demonstrates that “faith is not confined to the sanctuary,” and thanked the church for its contribution to the city.

 

 

Assistant Commissioner Glenford Miller used his remarks to call for continued cooperation between the Church and the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

 

“If criminals are allowed to have their way, there will be no disciples for the church to find,” Miller said. “We, the members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, pledge to you our full support as we work together in partnership as one team.”

 

The programme included an appreciation and awards segment recognizing individuals who have served the Conference.Pastor Jonathan Myrie and Pastor Stephen Drummond, Communication and Education directors, respectively, of the Jamaica Union Conference, received Citations of Honour for their service to West Jamaica Conference, where they previously held similar responsibilities.

 

Samuels was also honoured for his contribution to the West Jamaica Conference, including his tenure as president. Former WJC Health Ministries Director Pastor Egnal Grant and former Personal Ministries Director Pastor Devon Heath received awards for their contributions to the mission of the Church.

 

 

Also in attendance were leaders from sister conferences and representatives from Northern Caribbean University and the St. James Health Department.