ST. ELIZABETH JUNIOR COUNCILLORS ENGAGE IN VIGOROUS DISCUSSIONS
MONTEGO BAY, December (JIS):
Junior Councillors representing the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation’s 14 Divisions engaged in vigorous discussions during their meeting in the parish capital, Black River, on Tuesday (November 26).
The Junior Council meeting, which formed part of activities marking Local Government and Community Month 2024, featured presentations from the young representatives who addressed longstanding community issues and proposed innovative solutions in a bid to further improve the breadbasket parish.
The presentations were divided into two segments, with Head Girl of Lacovia High School, Natoya Williams, who represented the Lacovia Division, topping the senior category.
Representative for the Black River Division and student of Black River Primary and Infant School, Shanoy Malcolm, was adjudged the most outstanding junior presenter.
Ms. Williams highlighted concerns in her Division relating to sanitation, drainage and public safety and citizen security.
She urged the Municipal Corporation to address these issues by ensuring regular garbage collection, proper drainage maintenance and increased police presence.
“All this can be solved if we follow the proper protocols. We need to act now. We need to work together to ensure the future is a beaming success,” Ms. Williams emphasised.
Meanwhile, Mr. Malcolm noted concerns regarding road safety for school children, deteriorating old buildings and overgrown vegetation.
He proposed the installation of traffic signs near schools, the restoration of historic structures and regular debushing in key areas across the Black River Division.
Mr. Malcolm also called for expansion of the resources of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) in the parish to improve emergency responses by the entity in the town and adjacent areas.
He welcomed the Junior Council initiative, pointing out that, “[it] is… helping us, as youth, to face the future”, adding that “we have learned a lot, and I thank you”.
In his message, read by Junior Mayor of Black River, Kishnan Bennett, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, underscored the crucial role of local government in national development.
“Together, we have elevated the image and, therefore, the credibility of the local government system. We have expanded and completely transformed our public offerings. We have built up an impressive record,” the Minister outlined.
Mr. McKenzie urged young leaders to continue innovating and meeting the evolving challenges of their communities.
Local Government and Community Month 2024 is being observed throughout November under the theme ‘Local Government at Work: Facing the Future Together’.
