NCU steers clear of uncivil conduct

THE EDITOR, Sir: NORTHERN CARIBBEAN University (NCU), a Seventh-day Adventist institution, wishes to advise Malick Mangaroo, your Letter of the Day writer of Friday, November 16, 2018, that the leaders of the university do not endorse uncivilised or unprofessional conduct by persons who represent the institution in public. Our core values include diversity and respect (http://ncu.edu.jm/futurencu).

The sermon referenced by Mr Mangaroo and delivered during the Week of Prayer meetings at our Eastern Regional Campus in Kingston, addressed the topic: ‘When the Standards are Broken: A Focus on How God Relates to Sinners and Sin.’

The message focused on how society has deviated from the standards of God in multiple ways, including current manifestations of skin bleaching, lack of prayer, dress, alternative sexual practices, evolution, etc.

The pastor referenced two popular songs (including Spice’s Black Hypocrisy, not mentioned by the letter writer) only as a communication tool to get the message across to the audience and was not meant to support bleaching, or adultery, or violence.

In the circumstances, we understand how the preacher’s comments could be misinterpreted as being uncivil.

However, NCU continues to offer the public values-based, Christ-centred, and an innovative education that produces persons of unimpeachable integrity and character as well as commitment to service.

BYRON BUCKLEY Director

Corporate Communication Marketing & PR, NCU