RESOLUTIONS CONSIDERED AT THE 139TH ANNUAL SYNOD
APRIL 2009

1. Re General Banking Facilities

   Moved by		The Hon. Michael Fennell, O.J.
   Seconded by		The Rev. Denzil C. Barnes
   PASSED



2. Re The creation of Counselling Facilities

   Moved by		Mr. Craig Mear
   Seconded by		The Rev. Leslie Hoo Sang
   PASSED



3. Re Establishment of a structured system for following through with the Recommendations and Resolutions arising out of Synod.

   Moved by		Mrs. Andrea Reid
   Seconded by		Miss Greta Bogues
   PASSED



4. Re The Very Rev. Fr. Astley Charles Lindo has recently retired (January 2009) from active service in the Ministry of the Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.

   Moved by		The Rev. Major Dr. Sirrano A. Kitson
   Seconded by		The Very Rev. Canon Hartley D. Perrin
   PASSED



5. Re Concerning the successes of Kingston College

   Moved by		The Rev. Leslie Hoo Sang
   Seconded by		The Very Rev. Michael Brown
   PASSED



6. Re Concerning the Amendment of Canon 1V to include the Directors of the Department of Education and Youth among the members of Synod.

   Moved by		The Rt. Rev. Harold Daniel
   Seconded by		The Rt. Rev. Howard Gregory
   PASSED



7. Re Restoration Values in Entertainment

   Moved by		The Rev. Leslie Hoo Sang
   Seconded by		The Rev. Michael Allen
   PASSED

TEXT OF THE RESOLUTIONS

NO. 1 RE: GENERAL BANKING FACILITIES

Whereas the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands may from time to time require facilities not limited to overdraft, e.g. Letters of Guarantee;

Be it resolved that this Synod authorizes the Diocesan Financial Board to arrange General Banking Facilities at the National Commercial Bank (Jamaica) Ltd. or any other Bank registered under the Banking Act for a total amount not exceeding two million dollars ($2,000,000.00) should the need arise.

No. 2 Re: Creation of Counselling Facilities

WHEREAS members of the Diocese and the wider community who suffer bereavement have need of specialist counselling support in order to cope effectively with their loss and grief:

AND WHEREAS the high rate of crime and violence, as well as personal problems are an increasing source of stress, which demands appropriate professional assistance; 

AND WHEREAS access to professional counselling is both limited and costly;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Bishop in Diocesan Council takes steps to establish Counselling Facilities and/or Resources across the Diocese, with at least one in each Region, in response to this growing and urgent need in the Jamaican society.

NO. 3 RE: ESTABLISHMENT OF A STRUCTURED SYSTEM FOR FOLLOWING    THROUGH WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS AND RESOLUTIONS ARISING OUT OF SYNOD

WHEREAS Synod is the highest body in the structure Governance of the Diocese,

AND WHEREAS from time to time Clusters, Committees, Workshops and similar consultative groups are convened at Synod for the purpose of reviewing, discussing and deliberating on the affairs of the Diocese, with a view to improving the effectiveness of the work or the Church in the World,

AND WHEREAS any Recommendations or Resolutions arising from said reviews, discussions and deliberations represent the legitimate voice and concerns of the Church, and are thus worthy of thorough and meaningful consideration with the ultimate objective of implementation, where so agreed,

AND WHEREAS of the approximately 102 Recommendations emanating from the Cluster
Groups of Synod 2008, only 3 appear to have been actioned, as inferred from the 2009 Report of the Secretary of Synod,

BE IT RESOLVED, That Synod establishes a committee, Chaired by the Secretary of Synod, to consider and appropriately dispose of ALL the Recommendations and Resolutions arising out of Synod, making use of whatever management systems as may already exist within the Diocese, or through the creation of new systems as may be required. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Secretary of Synod, and or an appointed representative of the aforementioned committee be assigned the responsibility for providing quarterly updates to the Diocesan Council , the Diocesan Financial Board, and the members of Synod, in the following year.

NO. 4 Re: The Very Rev. Fr. Astley Charles Lindo has recently retired (January 2009) from active service in the Ministry of the Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.

AND WHEREAS, The Very Rev. Fr. Astley Charles Lindo has given faithful, dedicated and energetic service for over forty two years, serving in several capacities, namely:

AND WHEREAS his work, witness and ministry have left an indelible mark on the various congregations and missions of the Church and the Schools and institutions where he served;

BE IT RESOLVED that this  Synod now assembled place on record it’s sincere appreciation and profound gratitude to the Very Rev. Fr. Astley Charles Lindo for his stalwart and faithful Ministry;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Bishop in Diocesan Council express in an appropriate manner the appreciation of the Diocese, and that a copy of this Resolution be sent to The Very Rev. Astley Charles Lindo and family.

NO.  5 RE: concerning the successes of Kingston College

wHEREAS  Kingston  College, a Diocesan Educational Institution and one of the Premiere Secondary Schools in Jamaica, has recently achieved some noted accomplishments in topping the Schools’ Challenge Quiz and the Boys’ segment of the Boys & Girls Athletic Championships of 2009.

AND WHEREAS these accomplishments demonstrate that our Jamaican schools can produce rounded individuals which augers well for the future of our Nation;

BE IT RESOLVED that the 139th Synod of the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands congratulated Kingston College on their noteworthy attainments and wish for Kingston College every success for future endeavours;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Synod commends and sincerely thank all School Board members, teachers, Trainers, Coaches, Old Boys and , very importantly, those Corporate Sponsors without whom none of the above would have been possible.

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this be sent to the Administration of Kingston College.

NO. 6 RE: Concerning the Amendment of Canon 1V to include the Directors of the Department of Education and Youth among the members of Synod.

WHEREAS many of the Directors in the Department of Education and Youth have been members of Synod because  of their status as Clergy or Church Workers holding the Bishop’s Licence;

AND WHEREAS this has provided them with the opportunity to actively participate in Synod by voice and vote and give leadership to the Deanery Youth Representatives and others as well;

AND WHEREAS from time to time, Lay Persons not holding the Bishop’s Licence are appointed to serve in those capacities.

BE IT RESOLVED that this Synod requests that Canon 1V of the Constitution of the Diocesan Synod be amended to include such persons as members of Synod by virtue of their office.

NO. 7 RE: Restoration Values in Entertainment

WHEREAS the lowering of the moral barometer in the Jamaican society is evidenced by the proliferation of degrading and dehumanizing lyrics in some songs played on radio and public transport, as well as the vulgar movements in the music videos shown on television;

AND WHEREAS such lyrics and movements are easily accessible through the range of technology available to young, impressionable minds and so continue this negative cycle to future generations;

AND WHEREAS the action of the Broadcasting Commission must be accompanied by a concerted effort to encourage the creative talents of our people;

AND WHEREAS there is urgent need to raise the moral standards in every aspect of Jamaican life;

BE IT RESOLVED that this 139th Synod of the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands places on record its concern at these negative trends and appeals to all well – thinking Jamaicans who desire to see our Nation grow and develop under God, that they make every effort to raise the general standard of lyrics and behaviour in Jamaica to a new level.