Hanover Parish Council Gets $7 Million

MONTEGO BAY — The Hanover Parish Council received a cheque for $6.8 million from the Department of Local Government on Thursday (October 6) towards rehabilitation of the municipal building in the capital, Lucea, and establishing a Financial Management Accounting System at the Council.

Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) with responsibility for Local Government, Hon. Shahine Robinson, handed the cheque to Mayor of Lucea, Councillor Lloyd Hill, at a special meeting of the Council which formed part of a current series of meetings she has been holding with Parish Councils, dubbed ‘A Day-in-Council.

The Hanover meeting is the fourth in a series of 14 such meetings, which will be held islandwide between October and November.

Breaking down the use of the funds, Mrs. Robinson said that $5.3 million is for the rehabilitation of the municipal building, and $1.5 million for the establishment of the Financial Management Accounting System.

Addressing councillors and staff, Mrs. Robinson said that she would like her stewardship of the Local Government portfolio to be characterized by consultations and partnerships.

She said that innovative thinking, strategic planning and visionary leadership were essential to a successful Local Government system.

“You must begin to work as a team, resolve differences amicably and in a productive manner, and work for the good of Council and community…If you cannot find a way to work together, you cannot provide good governance,” she stated.

Mayor Hill expressed gratitude for the money, on behalf of the Council, noting that on completion the work will increase the comfort level for staff and Councillors.

He said that the repairs are critical to the Council’s effective running, adding that the speedy response from the Department of Local Government to the request was greatly appreciated. He predicted that work on the project will begin within a week.

By Bryan Miller, JIS Reporter