Stitchie at Christ In Action (CIA) Gospel Concert, held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, Hope Road, on Sunday, July 2, 2006. - winston sill

The Jamaica Youth For Christ has issued the following response to Stitchie's claims of unfair treatment and abuse of contract published in the media.

"Jamaica Youth for Christ, is a non-profit, interdenominational Christian youth organisation that has been serving the nation's youth since 1947. Our work has taken us into institutions and communities across the island, touching young people in various sectors of the society, and at various points of need.

We utilise several strategies, including the Genesis Triplefest, to help bring HOPE (honour, opportunity, purpose, enrichment) to our nation's youth.

In response to the discussion in the media in respect of the incident relating to 'Stitchie' at the Genesis Mo-Bay event, Jamaica Youth for Christ wishes to express our regret at what we consider to be an unfortunate misunderstanding between ourselves and Stitchie.

Though not signed, the 'draft contract' sent to us did not deny us the right to video tape Stitchie's performance.

However, it clearly stated that the organisation is prohibited from using any of the material for film or broadcast purposes without his written permission.

Not a 'contractual violation'

Therefore the video recording of Stitchie's performance was not a 'contractual violation'. Stitchie, however, denied our request to donate a song to JYFC for the production of a DVD of the Genesis Festival 2007 (Kingston), as a fund-raiser in this our 60th year of service to Jamaica's youth. This we intended to honour.

Stitchie's non-appearance on the Kingston event had nothing to do with his unwillingness to donate a song to the 60th anniversary DVD. It was based on two factors:

1)At the time of discussion with Stitchie regarding his ministry on the Genesis stage, plans were well under way for the final selection of artistes for the Kingston leg of the Genesis Triplefest 2007.

2)Although we were discussing the possibility of having him in Kingston, on further analysis of the budget and programming, we opted against inviting him to perform on the Kingston stage.

We would like to state that this ministry (JYFC) has played a significant role in unearthing many Gospel artistes and bringing them to the fore.

We have provided opportunities and have been a source of inspiration, motivation and development for many gospel artistes in this country. We would like to state categorically that we deny the allegations made by Stitchie.

The statement also suggests that 'people' have been profiteering from their involvement with the gospel artistes. Jamaica YFC, wishes to declare that this has not been our experience or practice. On the contrary, JYFC seeks to empower and encourage gospel artistes in this nation.

Funds for youth

We also want to point out that any funds derived from the Genesis concerts is used in the service of our nation's youth, through character development clubs, counselling, leadership development, multimedia ministry and youth to youth evangelism.

Over the last six decades, YFC has been supported primarily through donations from persons whose lives have been positively impacted by this ministry.

We see, Stitchie as a man of God and fellow minister of the gospel who has a significant ministry nationally and internationally. We have started to have dialogue with his management in an effort to resolve this unfortunate situation.

We intend to continue the discussion with him as soon as he returns to the island, as our objective is reconciliation. We wish for God's continued blessing on his ministry.

Donovan Thomas

National Director

Jamaica Youth For Christ