13 Awards Presented in St James Parish Independence Celebrations

Eight individuals and five organizations in St. James were awarded for their outstanding contributions to the parish, during the St. James Municipal Corporation’s annual Independence Flag Raising and Civic Ceremony, on Saturday (August 6).

The event was held at Sam Sharpe Square in the parish, under the theme ‘Reigniting a Nation for Greatness’.

The honourees were presented with the ‘Jamaica 60 Spirit of Independence Award’ and were recognized for their work in the fields of community development, education, tourism, media, and sport.

Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Leeroy Williams, in his remarks told the honourees that as a parish, “we cannot repay you for your contributions, but I am sure that the token with which you [were] presented will be accepted in good faith”.

“You are our local heroes and heroines and are living examples of what is right with Jamaica, that can be used to fix what is wrong with Jamaica,” Councillor Williams stated.

Meanwhile, in his Independence Day message read by Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, stated that “while we cannot allow the current global crises of a pandemic, war, and inflation to dampen our mood, the government is mindful of the hardships our people are experiencing; therefore, our celebrations must give hope, be meaningful, and uplifting.”

The Prime Minister also informed that the Government is developing a series of legislation to address the social order issues.

“The new Road Traffic Regulations will be passed and will come into effect this year. These new regulations will go far in bringing order to our roads. The new scheme for effectively dealing with the proliferation, trade, and use of firearms is now in Parliament and will come into effect this year,” Mr. Holness said.

“This new law will change the risk-reward factor by significantly increasing the penalty for possession and use of illegal firearms. We will have a slate of new protections for our people, starting with a new Bail Act, an Enhanced Security Measures Act, and a revised Zones of Special Operations Act. We will also review the Offences Against the Persons Act, the Sexual Offences Act, and the Domestic Violence Act. All these will create a robust and modern framework relevant to the issues at hand to secure social order,” he added.

For his part, Governor General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Sir. Patrick Allen, in his message read by Custos of St. James, Bishop the Hon. Conrad Pitkin, said the island’s 60th year of independence provides an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the nation’s journey and aspire to a future of even greater success for generations to come.