Governor-General Visits Montego Bay on Island Wide Tour

The historic Sam Sharpe Square in Montego Bay, St. James was the third stop by their Excellencies Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall and the Most. Hon. Lady Hall on their island wide tour, to familiarize themselves with different aspects of the country, and meet with custodes, justices of the peace and other civic leaders.
Their Excellencies were met on arrival in the town square by an official welcome party led by Custos of St. James, Clarence Nelson and included Member of Parliament for West Central St. James, Clive Mullings; Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Noel Donaldson; President of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, Pauline Reid; and President of the St. James Lay Magistrates Association, Dorothy Hanson.
Councillor Donaldson in his remarks during the brief civic ceremony held in honour of the Governor-General and Mrs. Hall, commended the head of state for his invaluable service in the field of education and for furthering the process of regional integration. He noted that the nation had great expectations of the new Governor-General, adding that his predecessors had set a high standard for him to follow.
“Certainly sir, you have already established yourself as a patriotic and committed servant of Jamaica, and for the years that lie ahead, we look forward to the same commitment and service,” Councillor Donaldson stated.
Custos Nelson, in his comments, also made mention of the Governor- General’s contributions in the field of education and expressed confidence he would bring the same level of commitment and patriotism to his new office.
Professor Hall, for his part, noted that Sam Sharpe Square has much historical significance, as the symbol of the site where freedom from exploitation and oppression of slavery, and ultimately the independence of Jamaica, was fought for and won.
“It is therefore fitting that this square continues to be a meeting place for Montegonians and the people of St. James, so that they can welcome guests, civic and political leaders to our country’s second city,” he stated.
He further praised the civic leaders for activity involving the youth in the parish’s development. “I applaud the leaders in the parish, who are committed to honing the skills of bright and marginalized young people, to ensure that they can seek employment in tourism or establish information technology careers and confidently move into self employment,” Professor Hall stated.
The Governor-General began his islandwide tour on Wednesday (April 26) and has already visited Hanover, the parish of his birth and Westmoreland.
During next week, he will visit Falmouth, Trelawny; Morant Bay, St. Thomas; Port Antonio, Portland; Black River, St. Elizabeth; and May Pen, Clarendon.