Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

Clarence Cooke (second left), a long-serving member of the Port Royal Brotherhood, views the plaque honouring his work. Also viewing the plaque are (from left) Anthony Cooke, son of the honouree; Paul Buchanan, chairman of the brotherhood; Mayor of Kingston Desmond McKenzie and Housing Minister, Dr Horace Chang.0 photos by Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

Hear ye, hear ye! 'Twas the 27th day of the fifth month of the year of our Lord 2008, when one of Port Royal's most famous watering holes resurfaced.

Ye Olde Parade Bar was a penny lodging as well as a bar that served the sailors stationed at Fort Charles back in the 18th century. It was destroyed by Hurricane Charlie in 1951 and was left dilapidated until the Port Royal Brotherhood decided to intervene.

The brotherhood is a group originally established when Jamaica was under colonial rule, and now acts as a community group seeking to maintain housing stock, ensure good order and social stability and overall improve the lives and facilities of the famed town. Residents and guests flocked to the town park for the official programme before queuing to get a better look at the building.

Apart from the reopening of the bar, three members of the brotherhood were honoured for their contributions to the community. Clarence Cooke, Commander Evon Clarke and the late Bertram Hall now have plaques bearing their names around the community.