St. James Parish Council Fetes Children

More than 1,000 children from Montego Bay and adjoining communities were provided with gifts and refreshments by the St. James Parish Council on December 18.

Heading the list of persons who ensured that the children were treated royally at the annual treat was Mayor of Montego Bay and Chairman of the St. James Parish Council, Councillor Glendon Harris.

The event, which was held at Jarrett Park in the city, also included games and fun activities.

Addressing the children and their parents, Mayor Harris urged the parents to train  their children in the right way and allow them to approach adulthood in a timely manner and to enjoy their childhood.

“Parents I call upon you to allow the youth to grow up as children and not to run into adulthood.  Let them enjoy their childhood years … as we are expecting great things from the youth.  We at the St. James Parish Council take much pride in giving what we can to our children,” Mayor Harris said.

He reminded the children that they are the future and encouraged them to respect the elderly and to be obedient to their parents and teachers.

“Most important of all, I call on you to respect yourselves and to respect the elderly.  We want you to grow up as decent (and respectful) children, who will be decent citizens and the leaders of tomorrow,” the Mayor said.

He called on students of all age groups and educational levels to work hard at their lessons and to make their parents and teachers proud.

“I am looking to hear good things from all of you in the parish of St. James, those that have GSAT coming up, and those who will be doing their Grade 4 Literacy and Numeracy tests. I am looking for 100 per cent literacy and numeracy in 2015 for all the Grade 4 students and I am looking forward to see our GSAT results in St. James topping the island. I am also looking for best results in CSEC, GCE and CAPE,” the Mayor said.