Power of Faith Ministries International Bishop Dr. Delford Davis, Opposition Leader Mark Golding, Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Bishop Conrad Pitkin at the National Day of Prayer on Wednesday at the National Arena in Kingston. put your hands together in prayer. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)
When As concerns about mental health grow, the government will pursue strong interventions to support this problem that plagues many people across the country.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness made the disclosure during the 3rd Annual National Day of Prayer held at the National Arena in Kingston under the theme ‘Teach All People True Respect’. I was.
People who lost their lives while praying “Happy New Year” to church leaders, worshipers, cabinets, etc. in turn, expressing gratitude that God spared our lives and welcomed another year. I thought about it.
“There is nothing wrong with seeking happiness. It takes the life of a loved one,” said Holness.
“It always hurts me when I see someone say, ‘I will end your life and I will end mine.’ ‘Something went wrong,’ he said.
His statement came a day after Mandeville couple Keith and Stephanie Ellis were found dead of an alleged murder-suicide at their home in the parish’s Bonite Crescent.
The prime minister declined to give specifics on the incident, but said there was an increase in cases of suicide and the taking of other people’s lives.
“The government plans to pursue direct and intentional programs with churches to make stronger interventions to support mental health in the country,” he said.
“I don’t want to call out specific cases, but when you see cases that take lives and take their own lives, has there been any intervention? Was there any early intervention? Was there any indication that this was a sign of violence and that we could have intervened early and stopped it?” Holness added. rice field.
He pointed to one of his earlier speeches, saying that while governments make policies and laws, they also have a duty to develop people’s “heartware.”
“Heartware is an important part of public policy. How people think, how they act, what they do, and sometimes governments are inadequate because we have a lot to do with our economy and our infrastructure. Attempts to initiate a social and cultural revolution in morality may not be the domain of government.
Holness also said that too many Jamaicans embrace the idea of tackling problems on their own, so they should reach out to someone to talk “anything” and not just for mental well-being.
“I know there is a lot going on in the church, but we Jamaicans have a cultural thing that they can take on bigger problems than us. And one little thing happens — a man steps on your toe, someone says something bad to you and you explode, and as a result, It takes lives,” he said.
“Part of the heartware strategy that I talk to churches about is how we can do bigger interventions, how we can use churches nationally for these kinds of interventions. We need to start a public education campaign.Seek help in times of crisis, not only from the government, not only from the Ministry of Health, but also from our churches and all other organizations. To get Jamaicans to change this culture of not to
Jasmine Stewart raises her hand in praise at the National Day of Players at Kingston’s National Arena on Wednesday.
