Mayor Praises Resilience of St. Elizabeth Residents

Mayor of Black River and Chairman of the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation, Councillor Richard Solomon, has praised residents of the parish for their commitment and resilience as they continue to recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

“We are slowly picking up the pieces but things are moving along. I really commend the people of St. Elizabeth for their patience, for their will and their commitment to this parish,” he stated.

Councillor Solomon was addressing the Heritage Flag Raising Ceremony at Black River High School on National Heroes Day, October 19, under the theme: ‘Resilient People with a Proud Heritage’.

He said the large turnout for the heritage celebration demonstrates the determination of the people to move forward as the country approaches the first anniversary of the hurricane’s passage on October 28.

Councillor Salmon read the National Heroes Day message from Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, which praised the spirit of community in the rebuilding of the country in the aftermath of the hurricane.

New Custos Rotulorum of St. Elizabeth, Bernard Henry, delivered the National Heritage Week message from Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, which called on Jamaicans to draw on the qualities of courage, faith and determination to overcome challenges.

“Let our legacy be one of compassion, respect, service, and responsibility,” the message said.

During the ceremony, six persons received Parish Honour Awards for Outstanding and Exemplary Contribution to Community Development. They are Lucille Talbert-Lee, Vincent White, Hamlet Stone, Leon Stewart, Manley Horne and Cyril Martin.

Donnavan Smith received the Mayor’s Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to Hurricane Relief-Humanitarian Support.