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St. James Residents turn out for Independence Day Civic Ceremony

By: , August 9, 2016

The Key Point:

More than 200 residents of St. James turned out for the Independence Day civic ceremony held at Sam Sharpe Square in Montego Bay on August 6.
St. James Residents turn out for Independence Day Civic Ceremony
Photo: Garwin Davis
Reverend Joseph Anderson (right), proudly accepts his award for contribution to community service from Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Glendon Harris, at the Independence Day Civic Ceremony held at Sam Sharpe Square on August 6.

The Facts

  • The ceremony included the presentation of awards to residents for outstanding service in various areas.
  • The event also included performances from internationally acclaimed reggae singer Benjy Myaz, the Jamaica Constabulary Force Band, and students from the Kidz Palace Nursery.

The Full Story

More than 200 residents of St. James turned out for the Independence Day civic ceremony held at Sam Sharpe Square in Montego Bay on August 6.

Community leaders, students, representatives of the business community and the political directorate, decked out in their black, green and gold colours, attended the function, which was held under the theme ‘Let’s Get Together and Feel Alright’.

Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, who read the Prime Minister’s Independence message, said the occasion served to remind Jamaicans of how far the country has come since 1962 and “what the future holds for us as a nation…as a people”.

“The Prime Minister is right on point when he charged us to walk down freedom street together,” Dr. Chang said. “With optimism, determination and that indomitable will to succeed, there is no telling how far we can go as a nation,” he said.

With the eyes of the world fixed on the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Dr. Chang is urging Jamaicans at home and throughout the diaspora to take pride in the exploits of the country’s athletes and use their accomplishments as a motivation to pursue their goals.

The ceremony included the presentation of awards to residents for outstanding service in various areas.

Rev. Joseph Anderson, Jasmine Brown and Shirley Wynter were recognised for contribution to community service; and Sergeant Delroy Harriott and Liston Reid, for contribution to public service.

The philanthropy award was presented to the Sandals Foundation, while Hermine Goodlitt and Dr. Anthony Taylor received awards for education.

The event also included performances from internationally acclaimed reggae singer Benjy Myaz, the Jamaica Constabulary Force Band, and students from the Kidz Palace Nursery.

The Independence message from the Governor General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, was read by President of the St. James Lay Magistrates Association, Claudette Bryan; while Member of Parliament for South St. James, Derrick Kellier, read the message from Opposition Leader, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller.

Mayor Glendon Harris, Junior Deputy Mayor Mikeann Channer and Councilor Suzette Brown also addressed the gathering.

Last Updated: August 9, 2016

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