19-Year-Old Student Is Montego Bay Junior Mayor

Nineteen-year-old Montego Bay Community College student, Mirakay Collins, is the 2015/16 Junior Mayor for Montego Bay.

She won the coveted title from a field of 17 students, who participated in the

St. James Parish Council-sponsored Junior Council Competition, which was held at the Montego Bay Cultural Centre on Wednesday (October 28).

Her animated presentation on the topic, ‘Jamaica passed its ninth consecutive review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF): Is passing the IMF test a real indication of the improvement of the country’s economy’, won the support of the audience and impressed the three-member panel of judges.

In addition to taking the Junior Mayor title, Mirakay won a trophy, cash prize of $20,000, along with other gifts from sponsor Flow Jamaica Limited.

Females made a clean sweep of the top three positions with 18-year-old Mike-Ann Channer of Mount Alvernia High School taking the Deputy Junior Mayor title, and

16-year-old Aysha-Simone Brown, also of Mount Alvernia, to serve as Junior Secretary/Manager.

The Junior Deputy Mayor received a trophy, $15,000 cash prize, along with gifts, while the Junior Secretary/Manager received $10,000 and other gifts.

Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Glendon Harris, said the annual Junior Council competition provides an opportunity for young people to present their views on a range of issues that are important to the nation.

He urged the members of the 2015 Junior Council to work together to ensure the success of the project to be undertaken.

“It is your time to make your mark; make your families and your institutions proud for they have invested a lot in you. Serve in your respective capacity well and keep the standard high,” Mayor Harris said.

Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Community Safety and Security Officer, Peter Salkey, who was the guest speaker, urged the students to be disciplined in their conduct and serve as good role models for their peers.

He said they should also seek to impact the lives of everyone with whom they come in contact. “You are the ones chosen to lead, lead well,” he said.

Other participating schools were: Cambridge High, Cornwall College, Harrison Memorial High, Herbert Morrison Technical, Maldon High, Montego Bay High, Spot Valley High School, and St. James High School.

The Montego Bay Junior Mayor competition, now in its 30^th year, is part of activities to mark Local Government and Community Development Month in November.

The Junior Mayor will lead the Junior Council for a one-year term, during which time the Council will plan and implement a community project, funded by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development.