In the mayoral elections for the city, Councillor Ralph Brown and Councillor Arthur George Mason emerged victorious, securing their positions as Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Kingston, respectively. Councillor Brown, now in his second term as Mayor, expressed the need for autonomy to address essential matters for the welfare of the municipality. He acknowledged challenges in the implementation of the Impact Programme but assured the public of ongoing efforts to rectify existing defects.

Published February 16, 1975

Second term for Councillor Brown

COUNCILLOR RALPH BROWN and Councillor Arthur George Mason were elected unopposed as Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Kingston, at yesterday’s Mayoral elections for the city.

Councillor Brown will serve his second term as Mayor, while Councillor Mason, who represents Lawrence Tavern in the K.S.A.C. Council, will be serving his first term.

Former Deputy Mayor, Councillor Roy McGann, did not seek re-election.

The Minister of Local Government, the Hon. Mrs. Rose Leon, attended the election.  In an address, she said that although she could not say positively when the Council ouldl have autonomy, she could say that “it was coming.”

She said that the Parish Councils and service and civics groups had already been asked by the Government to make suggestions regarding autonomy for the Parish Councils.

Maturity

Mrs. Leon said that the smooth running of that day’s election was an indication that the Council ‘had grown or was growing up.”

Councillor Brown, in his speech, said that certain steps that appeared to be for the good and welfare of the municipality could not be taken until autonomy was granted.

Referring to the Impact Programme, the Mayor said: “Let me say that neither I  nor the members of the Council would want to pretend that the operations of the Impact Programme are entirely satisfactory.

“We know that citizens do not like to see workers leaning on shovels and brooms instead of being actively on the job.  The public may rest assured that every effort is being made to correct the defects and deficiencies which now exist.

“In the meantime, the Council will not abdicate its responsibility to preserve human resources within this municipality.  The impact Programme workers will continue to be given the opportunity to earn the money which is required to feed themselves and their children and to send their children to school.”

Other matters, he said: “We have suffered some disappointments.  For example, the Municipal Police Force, which we require to strengthen our hands to properly regulate various conditions throughout the city, has not been brought into existence.

The Pound Law has not been revised in order to facilitate removal of stray animals from our streets.  The Municipal Bus Terminus is not yet ready for full use, which would be a means of easing traffic congestion.

The erection of the new Town Hall is essential if the Corporation is to make real progress, but we have not got near enough to the the realisation of that aim.”

Councillor Brown appealed to members of the Corporation’s staff to re-dedicate themselves to the service of the people.

Councillor McGann also spoke briefly, paying tribute to the Mayor and to the Council.

The visiting Mayor of Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.A., Mr. George Athanson, in a short address to the Council, said that the island had “a tremendous role to play” in contemporary history and was going about it democratically, unlike many other countries, in the Latin American region especially.

Councillor Brown’s nomination was made by Councillor Ken Hill and seconded by Councillor Winston Davidson,.Councillor Mason’s nomination was made by Councillor Atlee Bramwell and seconded by Councillor Marie Osbourne-Atkins.

None of the minority J.L.P. Councillors attended.

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