![Delegates cast their votes during the Third Quinquennial Session of the Jamaica Union Conference in Mandeville on February 17, 2026. [Photo: Nigel Coke]](https://jmunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-25-at-17.01.25-500x375.jpeg)
Mandeville, Manchester | Toni Harvey
Following the election of a new president, the (JAMU) administration took further shape on the second and final day of its Fourth (Third Quintennial) Session. Delegates voted to fill key leadership roles that will guide the Church’s work over the next five years.
After deliberations by the Nominating Committee, names were presented to the floor, and delegates cast their votes for the Union’s top officers. The process, involving prayer and consultation, signaled both continuity and renewal as the Church prepares to “Live the Mission” in the next five years.
Pastor Karl Archer, who served as president of the North Jamaica Conference (NJC) before the Union Session, was elected Executive Secretary, a role key to coordinating and overseeing the Union’s operations.
Pastor Archer brings decades of leadership experience, having previously served as President of the North Jamaica Conference for several years. Known for his administrative stability and pastoral guidance, he now takes on responsibility for supporting the president.
In brief remarks following his election, Archer expressed gratitude and humility.
“Thank you for your confidence… keep praying for me,” he told delegates and observers gathered in the sanctuary.
His election highlights a sustained focus on collaboration among the conferences and a dedication to improving governance structures in support of the mission.
Pastor Adlai Blythe was reelected as Treasurer of the Union, beginning his second term in office. His re-election was met with strong support, securing about 99 percent of the vote. The Treasurer is responsible for managing the Union’s financial resources, ensuring transparency, accountability, and sound management across conferences and institutions.
Responding to the vote, Blythe described the appointment as both an honour and a sacred trust. “I deem it an honour to be selected to serve as the Treasurer of the Union,” he said. “I want to treat God’s money the way I would treat mine.”
His return signals stability in financial leadership at a time when the Union continues to expand its evangelistic, educational, and institutional footprint.
Pastor Joseph Smith was returned as Vice President of the Union, maintaining continuity within the executive team. In addition, Mrs. Beryl Maxwell was appointed Associate Treasurer, while Mrs. Doreen Grant continues in her role as Associate Secretary.
Together, the newly configured administration reflects a blend of experience and shared responsibility and is positioned to work collaboratively to advance the Church’s strategic priorities.
Mrs. Doreen Grant, reelected as the Associate Secretary of the Jamaica Union Conference during the Third Quinquennial Session in Mandeville on February 17 and 18, 2026.
The election of the administration follows the earlier selection of Pastor Samuels as President, completing the core administrative team that will oversee the Union’s operations during the next five-year term.
Delegates from the five local conferences, along with the Union’s institutions, NCU, and Andrews Memorial Hospital, took part in the voting process, highlighting the Church’s representative governance structure.
