Black River Mayor Pledges to Uphold Integrity, Transparency

New Mayor of Black River, Councillor Richard Solomon, has pledged to uphold integrity, accountability, and transparency in his leadership of the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation.

Councillor Solomon, who represents the New Market Division, was installed as Mayor and Chairman of the Corporation during a swearing-in ceremony on Thursday, (March 7) for Councillors elected in the February 26 Local Government Elections.

He replaces Councillor for the Mountainside Division, Derrick Sangster.

Veteran Councillor for the Malvern Division, Donald Simpson, was elected as Deputy Mayor.

Addressing the ceremony, Mayor Solomon thanked his fellow Councillors for the confidence bestowed in him.

“Your faith in me is not taken lightly and I promise to work diligently in unity to fulfil the goals and objectives of the Municipal Corporation and the dreams and aspiration of our communities and the parish at large,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to the people of the New Market Division for re-electing him for a second term and thanked Councillor Sangster for his leadership during his tenure as Mayor.

Mayor Solomon encouraged active participation from citizens, pledging to maintain an open-door policy where persons can express their ideas, challenges and concerns.

He also called for unity among the Councillors, stating that they must work for the greater good of the people whom they were elected to serve.

“I urge each and every one of us to stand in solidarity and advocate for the people so that together we create a modern parish for all to see,” Mr. Solomon said.

He noted that as a democratic leader, his aim is to encourage inclusive governance, with the firm belief that the best decisions are made when all voices are heard and considered.

The Mayor implored the people of St. Elizabeth to actively participate in the decision-making process, “so that together we will shape the future of our parish”.