Despite religion and spirituality ranking fourth among the things Jamaicans value most, the Church’s belief system continues to influence the significant importance citizens place on family - which a recent survey identified as the thing Jamaicans hold most dear - two local clergymen have argued.

Their assertion comes in response to the presentation of the findings of Market Research Services Ltd’s (MRSL) Heart of Jamaicans Survey, which identified family, children’s education, being independent, religion/spirituality, and personal education as the top five values most important to Jamaicans.

Reverend Devon Dick, pastor of the Boulevard Baptist Church in St Andrew, stated that he was initially surprised at the ranking Jamaicans assigned to religion/spirituality, but noted that its importance is underscored with it still being in the top five.