Governor General Sir Patrick Allen says the work to restore lives and livelihoods in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has just begun, and urged sustained support for the national hurricane recovery effort by individuals and organisations.

He was addressing the 46th Annual National Leadership Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, January 15, at the Boulevard Baptist Church in St Andrew.

Speaking under the theme ‘Caring for Our Neighbour’, the governor general delivered a message of unity, compassion, service and responsibility for one another in the rebuilding of the country.

He hailed the overwhelming response to the urgent needs of citizens in the aftermath of the hurricane, noting that the compassion shown must continue through the ongoing recovery and reconstruction efforts. 

The governor general said that the task of rebuilding will last long after the initial emergency response fades. 

“Recovery, as you will agree, is not an event. Our theme today, ‘Caring for Our Neighbour’, is both timely and encouraging. It reminds us of our responsibility to each other, caring, sharing and interceding with God in prayer. It also challenges us to ensure that compassion does not fade with time and that no one is forgotten once the headlines have subsided,” he said.

The prayer breakfast, held under the patronage of the governor general, brought together the country’s leaders, at all levels of society, in prayer for the advancement of the nation.

The first lesson, taken from second Samuel 9: 3-11, was read by Prime Minister, Dr Andrew Holness, while the second lesson, from St Luke 10: 29-37, was read by Leader of the Opposition, Mark Golding.

Bishop of the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, the Right Rev Leon Golding, said a prayer for Hurricane Melissa victims, while Senior Pastor of Hope Gospel Assembly, Rev Dr Peter Garth, delivered the sermon.

The Governor General called on the nation to pray for the leaders across government, civil society and the private sector, noting that they “carry the heavy responsibility of directing relief and recovery. You are entrusted to steward wisely, the resources generously provided by the nations, individuals, organisations, faith communities and partners across the region and the wider world, ensuring that assistance reaches those most in need fairly, transparently and without delay,” he pointed.

“I acknowledge the weight you carry, the responsibility to make difficult decisions, to steady the nation amid uncertainty and to lead not only with wisdom but with compassion and moral courage,” he added.

He saluted the first responders, public servants, security forces, health professionals, the media, volunteers, faith leaders and community organisations, noting that their “tireless service has saved lives and restored hope”.

“You represent the best of our nation,” he said.

The governor general also lauded the “fervent commitment” of the VM Group, which is the title sponsor and long-standing partner of the annual prayer breakfast.

Funds raised at this year’s event will go towards the reconstruction of a wellness centre at Manning’s School in Westmoreland.