Denise Reid, Freelance Writer

Silver Pen awardee Lois Bryce (left) is presented with a plaque by manager of The Gleaner Company's Western Bureau, Shernett Robinson, at the newspaper's Montego Bay, St James, office. Bryce was given the award for her letter published in May. - photo by Richard Morais

WESTERN BUREAU:

The Gleaner's Silver Pen awardee for the month of May, Lois Bryce, believes the Church has been too silent on the issues affecting the country.

"I am very passionate about the Church, maybe because I am a Baptist myself, and I don't see where the Baptists are saying anything at all. I am very concerned about that," she said with conviction yesterday.

Bryce was at The Gleaner's Western Bureau in Montego Bay, St James, where she was presented with the award.

Voicing opinions

The daughter of Trelawny spoke of her admiration for the Reverend Al Miller who, she says, is the only religious leader in the country really voicing his opinions on issues that affect the people.

While she admits that the Church alone cannot effect the necessary changes, she is unwavering in her belief that the Church is too silent.

A teacher for almost 40 years, Bryce, now retired, is an avid reader of The Gleaner. She describes herself as a woman of opinions who keeps herself informed on current events.

Letter spoke to crime

Her opinions were made public on May 31 when her letter to the editor, which spoke to crime and questioned the causes of the disrespect for human life in our island, was published.

In her Letter of the Day, she asked: "What has brought us Jamaicans to this point of disrespect for human lives? What can we do to restore respect for life in our society?"

Acknowledging the efforts of the police in targeting criminals, Bryce said they must also target the source of guns. She said fighting crime must be a collaborative effort as the Government must show its will in tackling the issue.