District Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Jamaica and Cayman Islands

Annual Communication 2026

Marking 149 Years of Brotherhood and Craft

By W. Bro. Michael G. Alexander, Dep.Dist.G.M., P.A.G.D.C. and
W. Bro. Orett O. Clarke, JP, Dist.G.J.O.

On Saturday, 27 June 2026, the District Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands held its Annual Communication at the Aubrey Jacobs Temple on Barbados Avenue, Kingston. In a ceremony rich with tradition and fellowship, a new slate of twenty-nine active officers was invested, together with twenty-two Past District Grand Officers, while the 2025 slate of Lodge Overseers was reappointed.

The Communication carried particular significance, for it fell in the 149th year of organised Mark Master Masonry on the island. Though the degree had been worked in Jamaica since the 1850s, this English District was formally established in January 1877, making it one of the oldest and most distinguished Mark jurisdictions in the Caribbean. Across the generations it has grown to embrace lodges in both Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, alongside its companion Order of Royal Ark Mariners.

The Mark Degree holds a treasured place in the Masonic journey. It recalls the labours of the craftsman who learned that diligence and integrity are never without reward - that the very stone once rejected by the builders may yet become the head of the corner. These lessons of honest work and quiet virtue remain as instructive today as when they were first taught.

Presiding over the day was the Right Worshipful District Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Owen W. R. Francis, supported by the Deputy District Grand Master, W. Bro. Michael G. Alexander, and the Assistant District Grand Master, W. Bro. Dion E. Whinstanley, together with several Grand Officers.

A moving highlight of the Communication was a surprise tribute to V.W. Bro. Billon "Billy" Young-Chin. The District Grand Master read a citation celebrating his stellar contribution to Freemasonry in general, and to the Mark District in particular, as he demits the office of District Grand Director of Ceremonies - a post he has held for nearly two decades. V.W. Bro. Young-Chin was visibly moved to tears.

The assembly was then treated to a thought-provoking address, "Mark Masonry Then and Now," delivered by V.W. Bro. Afeef Lazarus, Past District Grand Master of the Craft. He reflected on how Freemasonry has evolved - welcoming a new generation of younger members, embracing greater transparency, and adapting through initiatives such as "Light Blues" clubs and collaboration with female Grand Lodges - even as it holds fast to its core principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth. Despite persistent misconceptions, he observed, the fraternity continues to thrive and to make a positive contribution to society. He illustrated the pace of change with a short poem composed in moments by artificial intelligence from a simple prompt, before posing a playful challenge to the brethren: who is ready to propose AI into the fraternity?

In his own address, the District Grand Master welcomed all who had gathered and reflected candidly on the year past - acknowledging its challenges, not least the ravages of Hurricane Melissa, alongside its successes. Looking ahead, he affirmed that the District's focus remains firmly on recruitment, re-engagement, retention, active visitation, and charitable outreach. He extended sincere thanks to the brethren who had accepted their appointments, expressing every confidence in a rewarding year of service, and confirmed that the District is now preparing for its 150th anniversary celebration in June 2027.

The fellowship continued at the Festive Board, where the District Grand Stewards Lodge treated all present to a sumptuous meal and dessert. The home-made bread puddings - baked by the wife of W. Bro. Dayon Wood and offered in the lottery - proved so popular that they prompted a brisk demand for tickets. On behalf of the District Grand Master, the Deputy District Grand Master thanked all who had travelled from far and wide, particularly the brethren from the West and from the Cayman Islands.

With its 149th year now under way, the District stands on the threshold of a truly historic occasion. As the brethren departed the Temple, there was a shared sense that the year ahead would both honour those who came before and lay a worthy foundation for the sesquicentennial celebrations to come.

Long may the District flourish. So mote it be.