Portland Community Leaders Benefit From SDC Development Retreat

Eighty-three community leaders from various development areas participated in the inaugural Portland Development Area Committee (DAC) Retreat, hosted by the Social Development Commission (SDC).

Held at Barhanna Vista Lodge in Port Antonio under the theme ‘Connect, Grow, Thrive: Building Stronger Communities Together,’ the event had the objective of inspiring collaboration and growth among local leaders.

This is in keeping with the SDC’s mission of fostering meaningful partnerships, driving community-led development and nurturing the next generation of local leaders to create a brighter future for all.

SDC Parish Manager for Portland, Karl Coke, noted the value of the engagement in fostering leadership development.

“This retreat was thoughtfully designed to engage leaders from across the parish in a relaxed setting and to promote networking, growth and empowerment as we firmly believe in the power of collective leadership to build stronger, more resilient communities,” he said.

Deputy Executive Director of the SDC, Omar Frith, who delivered the keynote address, highlighted the critical role of active civic participation in building thriving communities.

“Democracy is more than just the act of voting; it requires active engagement in shaping our communities,” he noted.

He said that the SDC’s Participatory Governance Programme, under which the retreat was held, “exemplifies democracy in action and each of you here is an ambassador of this process. Our society demands leaders who are accountable, transparent and morally grounded. It is therefore our responsibility to uphold these values”.

President of the Chepstow Community Development Committee, Lengston Jackson, echoed the sentiments of unity and collaboration, noting that, “this retreat reminds us that we are not alone on this journey. The connections we’ve made here will strengthen our efforts when we return to our communities.”

The retreat drew participants from the Port Antonio, Driver’s River, Buff Bay, Spanish River, Swift River and Rio Grande DACs, along with key stakeholders from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Peace Corps, and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

In recognition of outstanding contributions to community development, 26 distinguished individuals were also honoured during a special awards ceremony.

Each honouree received a Certificate of Recognition and tokens of appreciation from the SDC, symbolising their unwavering dedication to building vibrant, sustainable communities in Portland.