Pastor Raised Red Flags Over Conditions in St James

Members of the clergy from across Montego Bay, St. James, are raising concerns this evening about critical conditions affecting residents in the parish. The St. James Minister's Fraternal held a media conference on Wednesday, looking at Melissa recovery among other issues.

 

For generations, St. James has been seen as the tourism mecca of Jamaica. But members of the St. James Minister's Fraternal said there is another side of the parishes success story.

 

Chairman of the St. James Minister's fraternal Reverend Glendon Powell said several critical issues have been plaguing the parish.

 

He said, “Health care services including the shortage of doctors, nurses, ambulance services and other critical health care services resources. The increase in shootings and violent crimes within our communities. The slow response of political leaders and relevant authorities in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The deteriorating road condition, especially Upper St. James, particularly damage of the erosion affecting the Spring Main Road.”

 

These are issues the chairman said, continue to threaten the lives of residents.

 

Since 2026, St. James has recorded 35 murders, nine more than the 26 the parish recorded between January 1 and June 25, 2025. Reverend Powell pointing to what he described as disappointing murder figures is calling on churches in the parish to join the fight against crime.

 

“We want not just one church. We are we represent churches in St. James and some churches are not a part of the St. James Ministers Fraternal. We want every church to become a part of the St. James Ministers Fraternal, where we can sit down and we can collaborate and put plans in place to stem that monster of crime. The crime is everybody's problem and we must seek to address it.”

 

But crime is not the only monster wreaking havoc in the parish. Immediate past president of the fraternal, Reverend Davewin Thomas points to the deplorable conditions at the Cornwall Regional Hospital. He says while efforts are being made, a lot more needs to be done for health care in the parish.

 

Powell continued, saying “The church has done so much in going to the crisis and corner. I know the Baptist, the open Bible, the New Testament church. We have gone all over to serve the people with food, water, the works. Things that we can manage to do. But there are some bigger things that we can't do because remember now, the churches has been affected terribly by the aftermath of the hurricane.”

 

Crime and health challenges aside, St. James is still healing from the wounds inflicted by Hurricane Melissa.

 

Reverend Powell says the church has gone across the parish in a bid to assist in recovery efforts, but he says churches are also still picking up the pieces.