Businessman Louis Chin is New Mayor of Morant Bay

First-time political representative and businessman, Louis Chin, was today (March 7) sworn in as Chairman of the St. Thomas Municipal Corporation and the new Mayor of Morant Bay.

Mr. Chin, who was victorious in the February 26 Local Government Elections, is Councillor for the Cedar Valley Division.

Michael McLeod of the Dalvey Division was sworn in as Deputy Mayor.

Eight other Councillors from both political parties also took the oath of office during the swearing-in ceremony held at the Corporation’s conference room in Morant Bay.

In his address, Mr. Chin, who was the only nominee among his colleagues, said he was “humbled and honoured” to take on the new role.

“As your Mayor, I pledge to serve each of you with dignity and integrity. Together, we will work to address the challenges facing our parish and to build a brighter future for generations to come. I am excited about the work to be done and I am grateful for the trust you place in me,” he said.

Custos of St. Thomas, Marcia Bennett, congratulated the new Mayor, his Deputy and other Councillors, while urging them to draw on the experience of their predecessors.

“The job is not going to be easy. You are asked only to do your very best. There is experience around the table… share information. You are the Directors of the Municipal Corporation of St. Thomas and you will be called upon to serve with love, integrity and patience,” the Custos said.

To the Mayor, Mrs. Bennett added: “I want to welcome you to politics. You have persons who you can call on at any given time. Do not feel that you are on your own. It is new and you will learn, one step at a time.”

The eight other elected Councillors for St. Thomas are Dean Jones – Trinityville Division; Sheroo Stephens – Seaforth Division; John Lee – Yallahs Division; Hubert Williams – White Horses Division; Andrea Patience – Llandewey Division; Dinsdale Smith – Port Morant Division; Rohan Bryan – Morant Bay Division; and Ludlow Mathison – Bath Division.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Members of Parliament for St. Thomas Western and Eastern, James Robertson and Dr. Michelle Charles, who both congratulated the 10 elected Councillors and encouraged them to work for the benefit of the parish.

Other members of civil society, staff of the St. Thomas Municipal Corporation and jubilant supporters were also in attendance.