Minister of Tourism,  Edmund Bartlett, has called for a national “reset” of Jamaica’s moral and social order, emphasising that the Church must lead the restoration of values, with the State following in support.

He was delivering remarks at the 30th Anniversary Thanksgiving Church Service of the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), held at Grace Missionary Church in Kingston, where he addressed senior tourism stakeholders, including Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Jennifer Griffith, Executive Director of the TPDCo Wade Mars, Executive Director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) Dr. Carey Wallace and Executive Director of Jamaica Vacations Ltd (JAMVAC), Joy Roberts as well as managerial and administrative staff of TPDCo.

Minister Bartlett said Jamaica’s current social challenges are rooted in a gradual departure from strong moral foundations and the diminished influence of the Church as a guiding force in national life.

“Much of what has not gone right with us is because of what went wrong with us when we veered from the path that we really should have been on,” he said. “The foundation that the Church provides by way of being the force of moral authority in the land was not emphasised enough, was not owned and protected enough.”

He noted that while national development has brought change, questions must be asked about its impact on Jamaica’s moral fabric and social cohesion.

“We went through a period in our history where we will look back and wonder – yes, it caused changes, yes, it caused a new look in some instances – but did that look lend itself to the moral strength of our society, or did it break us down a bit?” he asked.

The Minister pointed to ongoing national challenges, including maintaining social and public order and strengthening interpersonal relationships, as evidence of the need for renewed focus on core values such as respect.

“There is a struggle today to ensure respect,” he said. “That one key word that has been a part of our culture forever.”

Minister Bartlett argued that Jamaica’s cultural expressions – including its literature, music, art, and language – were once deeply influenced by a strong moral compass that fostered a more peaceful and conciliatory society.

“That respect would permeate our literature and our music and our art and our language and our style,” he noted. “It would lead to a less aggressive nature and a more conciliatory arrangement.”

He further emphasised that Jamaica is now at a pivotal moment of reflection and renewal.

“To every disappointment, there is an appointment for something,” he said. “Perhaps the appointment now is for a reset. It is time for us to review our moral and social order in Jamaica.”

Minister Bartlett concluded that the restoration of national values must be anchored in strong moral leadership, stating: “The Church has to lead that and the State must follow.”

The Thanksgiving service formed part of activities marking TPDCo’s 30th anniversary, celebrating three decades of contribution to Jamaica’s tourism product development and community engagement.