Church honors Jamaica’s Senate President
July 8, 2015 | San Antonio, Texas, United States | Nigel Coke
Pastor Ted N.C. Wilson greets Senator Morris during the special luncheon, Image by Nigel Coke/IAD.
Visually impaired President of the Senate in Jamaica the Hon. Floyd Morris was recognized by the Seventh-day Adventist Church for his life of courage, service to his country and faithfulness to the Church during a luncheon held in his honor at the Henry B. Gonzales Center in San Antonio, Texas on July 2, 2015.
In commending Senator Morris, Adventist World Church President Ted N.C. Wilson described him as a ‘modern-day Joseph’ whom the Lord has given an unusual opportunity to witness in so many ways, who “represents Jesus and His precious Church in arenas and areas that most of us do not have a daily connection.”
Morris made history in Jamaica’s Parliament when he became the first visually impaired person to be appointed president of the Jamaican Senate, the upper house of the parliament, the fourth highest position in the Island.
Pastor Wilson, who just moments before was re-elected as president of the Adventist World Church said he made a special effort to be at the lunch because he believes in Public Affairs and Religious Liberty.
“I believe in what we are doing not only in honoring people who are associated in some capacity with public arena but also we have to preserve in the minds of people the importance of what the Bible has indicated and our beliefs regarding freedom of conscience and religious liberty, which is something that will become increasing important,” said Pastor Wilson.
Dr. John Graz, public affairs and religious liberty director of the Adventist world church said “he (Morris) is an example to all and especially for young people. He is a symbol of success in overcoming adversity and keeping his faith in God. His life gives confidence to many who have to face adversity.”
Morris also created history in 1998 when he became the first blind senator. He began losing his sight at age 17 after he developed glaucoma in 1983, which led to his blindness in 1989. The illness contributed to him graduating from high school without a single subject in external examinations, but like a true soldier in the army of God, Floyd decided that he had to march on reclaim his life.
Senator Morris (right) and his wife listen in during the luncheon. Image by Nigel Coke/IAD.
He has since completed his Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and a Master of Philosophy in Government at the University of the West Indies (UWI) and is currently pursuing a PhD in Political Communication at the same institution.
Morris, who was accompanied by his wife Shelly at the luncheon, celebrated their 4th wedding anniversary on that very day. In his response, he thanked Church leaders for recognizing him and pledged his commitment to God and His Church.
After going through sketches of his life after he became blind with tears flowing from his eyes at times, he said “Because of how good God has been to me, I pledge my fulsome support to Him and to my Church.”
“I am very happy that I am a part of a country and a Government that values religious freedom. And all governments value the importance of the right to worship, the right for one to exercise his conscience and freedom of assembly and I don’t think any political organization in Jamaica would be brave enough to transgress those rights,” Morris added.
Senator Morris is one of 2,666 delegates from 169 countries attending the 60th Session of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in San Antonio, Texas.