Henry advocates for empowering boys, rebuilding broken families to curb violence
Published:Friday | January 17, 2025 | 12:10 AMOlivia Brown/Gleaner Writer
Dr David Henry, lead pastor of Swallowfield Chapel in St Andrew, has underscored the pivotal role policymakers must play in addressing the urgent issue of fatherlessness in Jamaica.
Speaking on Thursday at the 45th Annual National Leadership Prayer Breakfast, which took place under the theme ‘Righteousness Exalts a Nation’, Henry called for collective action to support young men growing up without proper guidance, discipline, or support.
“I believe we need to collectively address the plight of our young men, who are growing up fatherless and without proper guidance, discipline, and support in our nation,” Henry said.
He further highlighted the connection between broken families, particularly fatherless homes, and the prevalence of violence in Jamaica.
“The murderous wickedness in our nation may be traced to broken and dysfunctional families, and in particular, fatherless homes. Check the statistics,” he said.
Henry emphasised the need to empower and nurture boys, asserting, “This can be done ... . It must be done. Righteousness involves collaboration and unity on what is vital to our well-being as a people.”
He also advocated for bipartisan cooperation and greater engagement with stakeholders to implement reforms aimed at improving Jamaica’s education system.
Additionally, Henry recommended that business leaders adopt struggling schools to drive improvement. He stressed the need to address the root causes of violence and promoted peace, unity, and reconciliation.
“Righteousness is also connected to peace. Jesus said, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’, and peace in the original language is Shalom, which speaks to human flourishing,” he pointed out.
Henry also called for greater accountability in governance, transparency, and the responsible use of public resources.
Furthermore, he highlighted the significance of the police being engaged in strategic planning, stressing that “we need to see a human face to the force”.
He emphasised that the police should not be viewed as enemies but as an essential part of maintaining a stable society, working together to uphold law and order.
Henry expressed disdain for music that devalues women and glorifies violence instead advocating for messages of hope, love, and a “blessed future”.
The event, held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, was attended by numerous government ministers. Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness delivered the first scripture reading followed by Opposition Leader Mark Golding with the second reading.