MoBay mayor: ‘We need a municipality where fear retreats’

WESTERN BUREAU:

Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon is confident that with St James’ crime statistics up to August 3, recording 42 fewer murders compared to the same period in 2023, the municipality is progressing in its objective of creating a safer space for citizens.

Vernon made the declaration while addressing Tuesday’s annual Spirit of Independence Civic and Awards Ceremony in Montego Bay. The mayor also commended the ongoing efforts of the St James police to tackle crime. The function, which formed part of Jamaica’s 62nd annual Independence Day celebration, was held in Sam Sharpe Square under the national theme ‘Jamaica 62 – One Love ... To The World.’

“We need a municipality where you can do your business and where ordinances are appreciated, and a municipality where fear retreats and is replaced by hope. If you are still in doubt about the prospect of hope, consider this: in 2023, from January 1 to August 3, murders for St James were 124. For the same period this year, it is 82, a 34 per cent reduction,” said Vernon.

“This is a testament to the progress and safety of our municipality, and I give commendation to the parish command and the support that made it possible. For what we want to achieve, partnership for prosperity is our only way forward,” Vernon added.

MUTUAL COLLABORATION

Despite the commendation, however, the St James Police Division continues to hold the dubious title of Jamaica’s most murderous division, having the most murders on record to date out of the 692 killings recorded for the country up to August 3.

Westmoreland has the second-highest number of murders over the same period with 63 murders, followed by the St Andrew South Police Division with 58.

Vernon also noted that the success of the St James Municipal Council’s administration in upholding law and order, including the enforcement of garbage disposal regulations, depended on mutual collaboration with St James’ citizenry.

“Our collective duty to this nation is to continue building better communities, churches, schools and families ... we therefore give our children facts and teach them to think critically, teach them how to be prepared for the workforce, but also encourage them to maintain dignified standards that fuel dreams. We enable them to innovate, but responsibly,” said Vernon.

“In our 62nd year, we need a municipality where the Government develops and the citizens preserve; and we need a municipality where our garbage is collected and citizens maintain their space. We will continue to step up, especially in the dengue outbreak. And while we encourage compliance, some will end up at 231 Megre Bay Road,” Vernon continued, referencing the address for the St James Parish Court.

During Tuesday’s awards ceremony, eight citizens of St James were presented with the Spirit of Independence Award, while three Mayor’s Special Awards were presented.

Spirit of Independence Awards

Mayor’s Special Awards

The awards were presented to the following individuals and organisations:

– Hyacinth Chambers, former ancillary staff member at the Western Mirror, for contributing to the field of Media.

– Lloyd Scott, tailor, for contributing to Industry and Commerce.

– Maureen Reid, teacher at Herbert Morrison Technical High School, for contributing to Arts and Culture.

– Debbilyn Ellis, hospitality trainer, for contributing to Tourism.

– Donna Wedderburn, president of the Salt Spring Community Development Committee, for contributing to Community Service.

– Linda Green-Francis, former Jamaica Constabulary Force officer, for contributing to National Security.

– Texchus Nembhard, former football referee and Jamaica Constabulary Force officer, for contributing to Sports.

– Marilyn Belnavis, principal of Roehampton Basic School, for contributing to Education.

– Knutsford Express, for contributing to Industry and Commerce.

– Alva Gordon, former football referee and track and field official, for contributing to Sports.

– The Janet Richards Foundation, for contributing to Community Service.