October 7th, 2007
Archbishop Sentamu was the guest at a cantata ‘Let These Things Be Written Down’, organised by the British High Commission and the Institute of Jamaica. The cantata was held at the University of West Indies chapel Saturday evening.
The cantata, composed by Michael Burnett, is a new work of contemporary significance composed specifically for commemoration in Jamaica of the Bi-centenary of the abolition of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade.
The cantata was performed by two soloists, a children’s choir, adult choir, flute, drums, keyboard and bass guitar. The ensemble kept the audience by their intense rendition.
The compositions were drawn from traditional and contemporary Jamaican melodies, lyrics and rhythms. Works of Caribbean, British and American poets were used in the cantata.
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October 7th, 2007
Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, did not mince his words as he apologised for the Anglican Church’s participation in the slave trade.
“Whether I like it or not, I belong to the church which participated in the transatlantic slave trade,” said Archbishop Sentamu, at a special convocation ceremony at the University of the West Indies (UWI).
“The actions of my forebears are my actions,” said Archbishop Sentamu,” I can’t distance myself from the terrible things that the Anglican Church did to my brothers and sisters who were sold as slaves. And for that I deeply apologise.”
“In a free society, we need to remember that all are involved in the actions which some are doing; some are guilty, but all are responsible,” he said.
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October 7th, 2007
Archbishop John Sentamu was conferred with the degree of Doctor of Laws – honoris causa – by the University of the West Indies (UWI).
“You have thrust greatness upon me by conferring the honorary Doctor of Laws,” said Archbishop Sentamu.” I count this as an honour, and this is something that I value highly.”
The archbishop added that he was delighted to learn that UWI was founded one year before he was born. “I can feel that I share the university’s growing up, and I can say to my elder brother, well done!”
Earlier, Professor Brian Meeks, of the department of government, in delivering the citation, called Archbishop Sentamu “a prophet of ecumenism and messenger of peace”.
“In honouring him, we celebrate not simply the iconic and enduring power of the African presence in nurturing the cultural diversity,” said Meeks from the citation, “but also the individual attributes of a renowned man of principle and a humane servant of God.”
The gathering, comprising faculty and graduates of the UWI and high school students, appreciated the archbishop’s sense of humour as he related amusing anecdotes, while at the same time speaking to serious issues. The occasion was enlivened by performances of the UWI Panoridim Steel Orchestra and the University Singers.
It was the sixth time in the history of the UWI that a special convocation was held. Those honoured at special convocations are Desmond Tutu in 1986, Nelson Mandela in 1991, Colin Powell in 1994, Harry Belafonte in 1996 and Kofi Annan in 1998.
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October 6th, 2007
Archbishop of York John Sentamu arrived in Kingston early Friday night; speaking at the Norman Manley airport upon his arrival he said that he was glad to be back in Jamaica. Archbishop Sentamu, quoting Bob Marley called to end ‘mental slavery’, “Bob Marley was right we must liberate ourselves from mental slavery because if we can do that in our heart in our home in our communities then this could become one of the greatest tourist attraction. “Jamaica is a great island,” he said. ” there is a lot of potential.”
The Archbishop expressed his happiness on being conferred the honorary doctorate by the University of the West Indies. “This university was founded year before was born, so this big brother is a year older than I am. I feel very very proud.”
The Archbishop of York is the guest of the Anglican Diocese and will be on a visit to Jamaica from October 5 to 12 for the commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.
“I am looking for a great time here, we will have a fantastic time,” said Archbishop Sentamu.
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October 5th, 2007
Archbishop Sentamu will address Anglican Youth Assembly on October 9 at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston.
More than 2000 young people, representing Anglician schools and congregagtions across Jamaica are expected to attend. The event will start at 3 p.m and is a part of the scheduled activities planned for the Archbishop’s visit to the island.
Sasha Wright, youth director and member of the planning committee said the visit of the Archbishop is the highlight of Diocese’s commemoration of the bi- centenary of the abolition of the trans-atlantic slave trade, which is being observed under the theme: ‘Called to freedom, working for justice, embracing responsibility’.
“The theme is critical as we are focussing on further developing a culture of responsibility among our young people,” said Wright.” The Archbishop’s address to the Youth Gathering will be a motivational story, which will give the youngsters insight on the African and English aspects of our history as a Church and as a race,” she added.
The event will feature performances in speech, song, and dance. Archbishop Sentamu will deliver the main address to the gathering.
Prior to the event, young people will meet at Church House, headquarters of the Anglican Church in Jamaica, and march to the National Indoor Sports Stadium for the assembly. The procession will be lead by the Kingston College drum corps.
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October 5th, 2007
The Mona campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) is gearing to welcome the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, Saturday, when he will be conferred with the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws at a Special Convocation.
The special convocation will be held in the Assembly Hall at the Mona campus on Saturday, October 6, beginning at 10:00 a.m.”The joint committee on the award of the honorary degree met in March and April this year and examined the case that was presented to us,” C. William Iton, director of administration and university registrar, UWI, told The Gleaner. Iton said the joint committee looked into the various criteria for selection laid down by the Charter, Ordinance and Statutes of the University and decided to award the honorary degree to the Archbishop of York.
DISTINGUISHED RECORD
“He has a distinguished record of achievements,” said Iton, “and as his visit coincides with the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade, it assumes a greater significance. “Archbishop Sentamu is sought after as an adjudicator; he served as adviser to the Stephen Lawrence Judicial Enquiry over the period 1997-1999 and in 2002 chaired the Damilola Taylor Murder Review. Between 2002 and 2004 he was chairman of the EC1 New Deal, served as president of Youth for Christ in 2004 and president of the YMCA in 2005.
“The archbishop conveyed his happiness on being awarded the honorary degree,” informed Iton.
Archbishop Sentamu is the second highest ranking Prelate in the Anglican Communion (after the Archbishop of Canterbury) and holds the title ‘Primate of England’ – the first black person to hold this position. He is also a member of the House of Lords and a Privy Councillor.
The Archbishop of York is the guest of the Anglican Diocese and will be on a visit to Jamaica from October 5 to 12 for the commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.
It will be the sixth time in the history of the UWI that a special convocation is held. Those honoured at special convocations are Desmond Tutu in 1986, Nelson Mandela in 1991, Colin Powell in 1994, Harry Belafonte in 1996 and Kofi Annan in 1998.
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October 5th, 2007
The Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, will arrive in Jamaica this evening. Archbishop Sentamu will be visiting the island until October 12.
“There is an air of excitement ahead of his visit,” said the Rev. Denzil Barnes, member of the planning committee for the archbishop’s visit.Archbishop Sentamu, accompanied by his wife Margaret, arrives from London by an Air Jamaica flight to Kingston.
Among those who will receive the archbishop are Bishop Alfred Reid and Mrs. Reid; Michael Fennell, chairman of the Diocesan Financial Board; Lensley Wolfe, Chancellor of the Diocese; British High Commissioner Jeremy Cresswell and Major General Rudolph Green.
A number of engagements have been lined up for the archbishop. Tomorrow, he will be conferred with the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws at a special convocation. On Sunday, Archbishop Sentamu will preach at a commemorative service of the Anglican Communion at the National Arena. “Members from all over Jamaica will congregate at the National Arena,” said Rev. Barnes. “We are looking forward to listening to what he has to say.”
CALL UPON LEADERS
Archbishop Sentamu will call upon Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall, Prime Minister Bruce Golding and Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller. He will visit the Cathedral of St. Jago de la Vega in Spanish Town and address a youth gathering at the Indoor Sports Centre on October 9.
Archbishop Sentamu will be in Mandeville on October 10; he travels to Montego Bay on October 11, where he will receive the keys to the city of Montego Bay at the St. James Parish Church.A farewell ceremony will be held at the Little Theatre in Kingston on October 11. The Archbishop departs for London the following day.
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