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Portmore mayor to unveil sustainable development plan for the municipality

Published:Wednesday | March 13, 2024 | 1:11 PM
Mayor of Portmore, Leon Thomas, gestures during the Portmore Municipal Corporation’s swearing-in ceremony held on Tuesday, at Lot 1 Cookson Pen, Braeton Parkway, Greater Portmore. - JIS photo

Amid cheers and horn blasts, Mayor of Portmore Leon Thomas was sworn in for his third term, promising to unveil a sustainable development plan for the municipality in May.

He said the plan would be outlined at the official opening of the new municipal building.

Thomas also emphasised the importance of collaboration between stakeholders and businesses to propel Portmore's development. 

At the swearing in on Tuesday, Thomas was accompanied by 10 returning councillors and two new faces. Damara Lawson, the Jamaica Labour Part councillor who flipped the Southboro division, and Hochoy Gordon, in Greater Portmore East, both replaced deceased councillors, pledging to serve their divisions diligently.

In his acceptance speech, Mayor Thomas struck a balance between conciliation and defiance, calling out Member of Parliament Robert Miller who challenged him publicly during the lead up to the local government elections. 

"Mr Robert Miller, the man that said he was going to fight me with all the fibre in his body, well I am the mayor and will be. Let's hope you have enough fibre for the general election," Thomas declared.

Transitioning to a message of unity, Thomas urged residents to move beyond political divisions and focus on mutual respect and determination to advance Portmore. 

"Now that the campaign is over and we move forward into another phase of our future, I hope it will be based on mutual respect, faith, determination and brotherly love. Let us put our political colours aside and continue to build Portmore," Thomas implored.

The ceremony was attended by Opposition Leader Mark Golding; Custos of St Catherine, Icelyn Golding; Spanish Town Mayor, Norman Scott; and members of parliament, Alando Terrelonge and Robert Miller.

- Ruddy Mathison

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