To commemorate Kingston's tercentennial anniversary (300th year), four eminent figures in Jamaican politics received the keys to the city of Kingston at King's House. Recognised for their exceptional contributions to the nation's development, Rt. Hon. Michael Manley, Rt. Hon. Hugh Shearer, Rt. Hon. Edward Seaga, and Hon. P. J. Patterson were all celebrated in eloquent citations presented by Professor Rex Nettleford, pro-vice chancellor of The University of the West Indies (Mona). Each honoree was lauded for his remarkable accomplishments and dedication.

Published Thursday, October 22, 1992

City’s keys for four stalwarts

BY H. G. Helps

FOUR  prominent members of Jamaica’s political fold received keys to the city of Kingston yesterday at King’s House, to mark the tercentennial anniversary (300th year) of Kingston.

Rt. Hon. Michael Manley, Rt. Hon. Hugh Shearer, Rt. Hon. Edward Seaga and Hon. P. J. Patterson were all recognised for their contribution to the development of the nation.

Citations, done by Professor Rex Nettleford, pro-vice chancellor of The University of the West Indies (Mona), told glowing tales of the men, their exploits and deeds.

Manley, who demitted office in March this year, was hailed by KSAC Councillor Cynthia Burrell, who read the citation, as the prime minister who made the biggest international impact.  He has placed Jamaica on the world map.  Councillor Burrell said as a flash of lightning and sounds of thunder greeted the announcement. Manley gesticulated as if inviting the audience to accept nature’s way of saying the speaker’s sounds were dead right.

The start of Shearer’s citation, presented by Roxanne Anderson, 1992 Festival Queen of Kingston and St. Andrew, further whetted the appetite of the audience.

Glowing tributes to present, ex-PMs

“If Jamaica was built by labour (laughter), then Hugh Shearer, one of Jamaica’s foremost and skilled contractors, was one of the chief builders,” she said.

Seaga was hailed for his intellectual toughness – a man with a sense of detail, fixity of purpose and the will to follow through on all he thought was good for the development of his country.  His citation was read by Tivoli Gardens Comprehensive School student Leonie Ritchie.

The Opposition leader, in his response, traced the history of Kingston, highlighting its pleasantries as Jamaica’s chief city over the years. Music, religion and sport were emphasised as areas in which Kingstonians have exemplified themselves.

Seaga, however, poked a finger at present-day civic conditions in the capital city. “The presence of refuse and smell of garbage is an insult to our tradition and a danger to our health,'' he said.

Citation reader, KSAC Councillor Sybil Trowers, started by describing P. J. Patterson as a young, gifted … and as members of the audience, chuckled, sat upright in their chairs anticipating the word ‘black’, Councillor Trowers reeled off “and promising son of the soil” when he started his political career.

The prime minister, like Mr Seaga, also gave a historical account of Kingston’s development. He shifted his focus to what he described as “negative aspects of the city’s development”.

“No Jamaican can be happy at the way in which Kingston’s fine housing stock, stretching from west to east, has now degenerated into urban ghettos, under pressure from the exodus from the countryside.

“No Jamaican can accept present behaviours. A better solution has to be found to the problem of providing better transportation for the ever-growing population of students and workers.

“The government has announced a tax incentive programme aimed at stimulating private-sector investment to take the lead in the upgrading of the downtown Kingston area.

The necessary legislation is being drafted and with the tax-free development loans of approved urban areas should permit the revival and modernisation of our capital city through entrepreneurial initiative.” Mr. Patterson said.

Immediate past mayor of Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Augustus Williams, was also given the keys to Kingston.  His citation was read by Dervan Malcolm, 1992 Festival gold medal awardee in speech.

All presentations were made by Her Worship the Mayor of Kingston Councillor Marie Atkins.

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