LINSTEAD, St. Catherine:
SEVERAL CHURCHES in St. Catherine offered special prayers on Sunday for a peaceful election and God's will to influence Jamaicans to choose the right leaders.

Pastor of the Linstead Baptist Church, Rev. Everton Jackson, noted that the leaders chosen on Election Day, October 16, would provide the destiny of the country over the next five years.

He said that on behalf of the Jamaica Baptist Union, he was also appealing for peace during the few remaining days of the election campaign.

Pastor Jackson said that as a people, "we are at liberty to choose those we wish to lead us and that should not require violence". He said Jamaicans should all pray that the hatred would stop, so that "we can greet each other in peace and love".

In the meantime, the St. Catherine police said the campaign has so far been peaceful in North West St. Catherine, where candidates Robert Pickersgill of the People's National Party (PNP) and Dr. Sandra Nesbeth of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) have instructed their supporters to campaign in peace.

The Baptist community in St. Catherine has suggested that October 10 be set aside as a day of fasting and prayer for a peaceful election.

And Director of Elections, Danville Walker, noting the Governor-General's proclamation that churches pray on Saturday and Sunday, October 12 and 13, for a peaceful election, said he was confident that church leaders could make a real impact on the conduct of the elections.

In a release on the weekend, Mr. Walker commended church leaders for the important role they have played in fostering and maintaining peace, but said that as the election drew closer there was need for them to reinforce their role as peacemakers.

"As the excitement of the party faithful becomes greater, persons can become so carried away that unnecessary tension can be created," Mr. Walker said. He said that in view of recent reports of political conflict, he believed that a collaboration between church leaders and police community relations personnel could go a far way in promoting tolerance and mutual respect. The Director of Elections said he was, therefore, encouraging church members to act as peacemakers in political discussions.

"It is important for all Jamaicans to bear in mind that we are one people, regardless of political inclinations or allegiance," said Mr. Walker. "We are a country with a proud history of democracy and we need to ensure that these elections will earn the respect of the world."