Hanover establishes James Anthony Lawrence Park

WESTERN BUREAU:

THE AREA in the Sir Alexander Bustamante Square in Lucea, Hanover, where the natural municipal Christmas tree is always lit has been officially named the James Anthony Lawrence Park.

Lawrence, a son of Richmond in the parish, served Hanover and the country and Hanover in different capacities before his death in August 1989 at age 59.

He attended the Cacoon All-Age School and Knockalva Agricultural School in Hanover, and later, the Jamaica School of Agriculture.

In his working life, Lawrence served as an agricultural science teacher at the Mount Zion Primary School in St James, agriculture instructor at the Swift Purcell Boys’ Home in St Mary, an extension officer in the Ministry of Agriculture in St Ann, and manager of the Haughton Court Cocoa Fermentary in Hanover.

In Hanover, Lawrence also served on several boards, including at the Rusea’s High School, Hanover Bee Farmers’ Association, Jamaica Agricultural Society, Lucea Rotary Club, and the Hanover Chamber of Commerce.

The park has been named in his honour, chiefly because he planted the tree that has for years been used as the municipal Christmas tree. The Hanover Municipal Corporation said that over the years, this has resulted in millions of dollars in savings.

“It was his passion that led him to plant this very tree that you are looking at tonight,” Miss Hanover Festival Queen 2018 Shantae Grant-Barnett outlined as she read a citation on Thursday night at a dedication ceremony and Christmas tree-lighting event.

“The naysayers thought it would never grow, but God watered it with love and just look at it now,” Grant-Barnett said, adding that the people of Hanover are thankful for Lawrence’s vision.

Lucea Mayor Sheridan Samuels named Lawrence among several former leaders from the parish who left an indelible mark.

Although not revealing the cost to establish the James Lawrence Park, Samuels said that the work to beautify the area was done through the ‘Painting the City, Paint the Town’ programme led by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development across several towns.

“We have a lot of Hanoverians who have made significant contributions to this wonderful parish, and James Lawrence stands tall among them, and for that, we are all very grateful,” Samuels stated.

The mayor said there was broad consensus within the municipal corporation to honour Lawrence with the naming of the park.

Beverly Lawrence, widow of the honoree, urged residents to keep the park clean.

“I want to express our family’s appreciation for the recognition that you have given to my husband and to us. I am very proud to be adopted by the parish of Hanover, and to have allowed the parish to enjoy the benefit of what my husband has done for it,” she stated.

“I say to all those persons who are serving Hanover now, serve with pride and honour.”

bryan.miller@gleanerjm.com