Montego Bay church opens National Workers' Week with thanksgiving service

Worshippers and national leaders filled St. John's Methodist Church in Montego Bay on Sunday, May 17, for the thanksgiving service that opened National Workers' Week 2026 and set the tone for Labour Day observances.

Reverend Pauline DaCosta, superintendent minister of the Montego Bay Mount Ward Methodist Circuit, welcomed a large delegation that included Custos of St. James Bishop the Hon. Conrad Pitkin, representing Governor General Sir Patrick Allen; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. Horace Chang, standing in for Prime Minister Andrew Holness; Minister of Labour and Social Security Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr.; Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Hon. Olivia Grange; Minister of Finance and the Public Service Hon. Fayval Williams; Mayor of Montego Bay Councillor Richard Vernon; trade union and diplomatic representatives; and members of the clergy.

The 2026 theme, "One people, one purpose. In all things, Jamaica wins," framed remarks that linked honest work, voluntary service, and national recovery after Hurricane Melissa. In his address, Minister Charles saluted workers across sectors—from health and education to farming, transport, and public service—and recalled the 1938 labour uprising as the foundation for today's worker protections. He urged Jamaicans to take part in Labour Day community projects and to mentor young people.

Minister Grange said the west was chosen to host this year's service and signalled interest in holding a future Independence religious service in the region as well. She outlined national Labour Day projects: restoration work at the Lewis Town Early Childhood Institution in St. Elizabeth and upgrades at Sabina Park to support upcoming cricket and CPL events. Municipal corporations will lead parish-level projects; she encouraged groups to register activities through the Jamaica Information Service. Labour Day will be observed on Monday, May 25, because May 23 falls on a Saturday. Floral tributes honouring National Hero Samuel Sharpe will take place on May 23 in Montego Bay and Kingston. A free Labour Day praise concert is scheduled for Emancipation Park at 7:00 p.m., with performances including John Mark Wignall and Sebastian Brham.

Bishop Pitkin delivered the Governor General's message, which gave thanks for neighbour helping neighbour after the storm and called on Jamaicans to rebuild with shared purpose. Guest preacher Bishop Dr. Roy Notice, president of the Jamaica Association of Full Gospel Churches, urged the nation to pair authentic worship with disciplined, dignified conduct in public life and at work.

Minister Grange, on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, and the Committee for the Promotion of National Religious Services, presented a plaque to the host church. The St. James Municipal Corporation also presented a love gift toward the congregation's rebuilding after storm damage to the church and hall. Corporal Jada Messum, the 2024 Jamaica Gospel Star winner and a member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, was among the performers acknowledged during the programme.