Pearnel Charles Sr urges KSAMC councillors to prioritise the poor

Retired politician Pearnel Charles Sr has urged councillors of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) to prioritise defending the interests of the poor in their work.

Speaking at Tuesday's meeting of the KSAMC, Charles Sr, who was one of six former councillors who were honoured for being elected to the council 50 years ago, contended that not all councillors are aware of their role in the governance structure. 

“I don't think that all of you have recognised who you are and what you are to do,” he stated. 

“You have a job that PNP (People's National Party)  and JLP (Jamaica Labour Party) cannot come in, you represent the people, mostly the poor- mostly the children who are not going to school. Some of you are ambassadors, you must find which pickney not going to school, yuh must find which woman old, and man old,” he stated.

He emphasised that councillors should serve as a bridge, ensuring that vital information and assistance reaches the people.

A councillor's responsibilities include representing the concerns of the citizens of the division to include issues such as upkeep of public cemeteries, liaising with the Poor Relief Department in respect of the needs of the poor in the division, and monitoring the operations of children's homes for the aged or the homeless, to ensure their proper functioning.

Former Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, who represented the Trench Town division, was also honoured along with Karlene Kirlew-Robertson who represented the Waterloo division, Charles Edward Douglas Graham, former councillor for the Rae Town division, former Mayor Emerson Barrett, and Lisa Holt, who represented the Jones Town division. 

“These trailblazers served their divisions with unmatched dedication and helped to lay the foundation for many of the democratic principles, structures and functions that guide the KSAMC today,” Mayor Andrew Swaby stated. 

He hailed the former councillors for their leadership in areas of social empowerment and sustainable community programmes. 

“What makes their service even more remarkable is the fact that at the time these councillors did not receive a salary for their work. This was a genuine selfless act of service, an unwavering commitment to the betterment of their communities and development of Kingston and St Andrew,” he added.

- Sashana Small

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