Meaning
The pastor or preacher who leads a church congregation — a highly respected community figure in deeply churchgoing Jamaica. The pastor preaches, counsels the troubled, marries the couples, and buries the dead, standing at the centre of the life of the congregation and often of the whole district. 'Pastor' is used as a title of great respect, and the pastor's word carries real weight, so that in a society where the church is a pillar of community life, he is among the most honoured of figures.
Examples
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Pastor preach a powerful sermon Sunday.
Pastor preached a powerful sermon on Sunday.
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Dem go to di pastor fi advice.
They went to the pastor for advice.
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Good mawnin, Pastor.
Good morning, Pastor.
Origin
From 'pastor' (shepherd of a flock); a central, respected figure given Jamaica's strong church culture.
How it’s used
A respected title and role; church is central to Jamaican community life. Compare 'revival' shepherds.