Junior Mayor for Montego Bay

A new Montego Bay Junior Mayor was installed at the St. James Municipal Corporation after winning a competition for the post held at Montego Bay Cultural Centre in the parish, on Thursday (October 27).

Mount Alvernia High School for Girls student, Fitz-Ali Nelson, walked away with the title after emerging atop a strong field of 15 contenders from 14 high schools across the parish.

She was given the Leeroy Williams Trophy and $20,000 by the St. James Municipal Corporation.

The competition was last held in 2019, prior to the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

In an interview with JIS News, the new Junior Mayor said she was overwhelmed by all the love she received when she was announced winner of the contest.

She noted that the competition was “very stiff” and all competitors brought their ‘A’ game, “ but I am really pleased and proud [to win]. I feel honoured and privileged to be given this role”.

Fitz-Ali said she will be focusing on implementing education-based initiatives in her new role, as this is an area she is passionate about.

For his part, newly minted Junior Deputy Mayor, Jodel Williams, told JIS News that he is excited about his new role.

The St. James High School student commended his fellow junior councillors, noting that even though they did not win, lessons could be taken away from the competition about ways in which they can assist their communities.

Jodel, who received the Richard Vernon trophy, as well as $15,000 from the Corporation, told JIS News that his focus during his tenure will be sports-based.

Bringing greetings at the ceremony, Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Leeroy Williams, encouraged junior councillors to take their roles seriously.

“The position you have attained can be a gratifying opportunity, and it is a highly regarded form of public service, particularly at your age. Your role as a junior councillor must not be taken lightly, [as] in your capacity you will face challenges but your input will be the final factor of the outcome,” he said.

The Mayor noted that the participation of youth in the Junior Mayor competition will “encourage them to action and push them to participate in more rewarding activities”.

Councillor Williams further outlined that the contest, which started when Montego Bay received city status in 1980, has been very beneficial to the city’s youth, “as it allows junior councillors to display their ability to research and organise information, argue a point and firmly communicate their support or opposition to an idea”.

During the contest, the students gave speeches on the topics Learning loss due to COVID-19 and the sixth-form Pathways programme.