Herbert Morrison Girl Mobay’s Jnr. Mayor

MONTEGO BAY — Herbert Morrison Technical High School's Upper Sixth Form student, 18-year-old Shenniel James, is the new Junior Mayor for Montego Bay.

She won the prestigious award Wednesday (November 16), at the St. James Junior Council Competition at the Montego Bay Civic Centre.

Emerging with the highest percentage score from a line-up of 17 contestants, Miss James received the nod of the adjudicating panel with a well-researched presentation on the question; “What are some of the strategies that you would undertake to effectively market the Montego Bay Sports Complex, with the intent of positioning it as the premiere sporting facility serving western Jamaica?”

For her efforts, the Junior Mayor was awarded the Mayor's trophy, a scholarship valued at $15,000.00 from Minister of Housing, Environment, Water and Local Government, Dr. the Hon. Horace Chang, and a number of other prizes.

Administrative Manager in the Peace Management Initiative (PMI) St James, Garfield McGhie, commended the participants vying for the leadership positions in the Junior Council.

"I realize that in this room are some of the finest youth leaders who, in a short time, will take on the role of leading our country in a decisive way… Being a leader is not as daunting as some people have made it out to be. A leader is decisive and forthright and is someone who allows the democratic process to take place, but is not afraid to take an executive decision when necessary”, Mr. McGhie pointed out.

He observed that the student leaders, who impressed with their presentations, possess the potential to achieve greatness, and will one day make Jamaica proud.

"Jamaica needs leaders and volunteers of the highest order; people who will put service above self and work for the common good of their fellow citizens. Our country cannot, at this time, afford to dampen the spirit of volunteerism and the drive to improve our standard of giving and helping,” Mr. McGhie said.

He urged his audience to make a concerted decision to join the efforts of those who have been good leaders, and who have been volunteering with 'all hands on deck".

By Glenis Rose, JIS Reporter