Jerome Maxwell, managing director of Jamalco, presents a mentorship manual to Dr Henrietta Stewart, principal of Vere Technical High School. Leo Lambert, manager of corporate services at Jamalco, and Julia Brunson, scholarship coordinator at Florida A&M University, look on. - Dwight Nelson Photo

MANDEVILLE, MANCHESTER:

Seven persons were presented with awards by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's Manchester office, in recognition of their positive contribution to the parish and the nation, as part of Heroes Day celebrations on Monday.

The affair, which was held in the Mandeville Park, saw what the police say was the largest turnout in recent memory.

Following renditions by the Jamaica Police Constabulary Band, keynote speaker, the Reverend Paul DaCosta Pinto, called for 'harmony' among Jamaicans.

He said harmony was the road to prosperity and unless this was part of the country's agenda, individualism, prejudice and tribalism, if allowed to take root, would negate the efforts of the national heroes.

Those who received awards for contribution in their respective fields were Neville Henry (agriculture), Annie Barrett (culture), Reverend Reuben Grey (education), Dr Derrick Ledford (health), Corporal Chival Witter (security), Neville Bennett (social service) and Patrick Anderson (sports).

- Angelo Laurence

More roadwork on the horizon - Henry

SPALDINGS, CLARENDON:

Recently Minister of Transport and Works Mike Henry sought to set the record straight as far as the repairing of roads across Jamaica was concerned.

Speaking with The Gleaner during an interview at the Spaldings High School in Clarendon last week, the transport and works minister said there were several roads across the island in need of repair, but steps were being made to deal with those deemed critical.

Henry said the damage caused by Tropical Storm Gustav in August was estimated at $12 billion; but was quick to point out that that figure includes accumulated damage caused by Hurricane Dean in 2007.

Henry also said that since the initial estimate it has rained regularly, causing even more damage.

He further explained that he was currently working out a cash-flow projection that could be accommodated by his ministry to allow quality contracts and ensure the best results.

Against that background, Mr Henry said he had asked contractors to meet with him and discuss how they would be able to work night and day on critical areas.

He said he plans to call on the manufacturers of asphalt not to close down their facilities from December 15 to January 15 as is usual.

- George Henry

Police clean up Mandeville market

MANDEVILLE, MANCHESTER:

For the first time in many years, persons and vehicular traffic were able to move freely within the vicinity of the Mandeville market without being harassed by hustlers and vendors alike.

The Mandeville division of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) began removing illegal vendors and their stalls from the precinct outside the Mandeville market and in front of the St Marks Anglican Church. Superintendent Martin Bayliss of the Area Three Police Division said many of these persons whose shacks were removed were not legitimate vendors, but drug dealers who provided a cover for criminals from outside the parish.

He also said the stalls were mere holding areas for pickpockets and drop-off and pick-up points for drugs.

This was also confirmed by Commander Bowel of the ISCF, who showed The Gleaner a plastic bag containing approximately two pounds of ganja, which he said was recovered from one of the demolished stalls.

Public passenger vehicles that use the nearby bus parks were also subjected to the scrutiny by the lawmen. Commuters have been complaining to the Transport Authority for years to rid the town's bus parks of 'out-of-uniform' bus conductors and backup men.

One bus operator, who would not give his name, said that gangs from St Catherine had infiltrated the parks in the town and were conducting a 'hefty extortion business'.

When The Gleaner visited the area on Saturday, operators expressed appreciation for the move.

- A. L.

Mayor hopes for completion of park

MAY PEN, CLARENDON:

Residents of the May Pen community will be happy to know that the Mineral Heights roundabout park could be completed shortly.

The news came from Mayor of May Pen, Milton Brown, during this month's parish council meeting.

A project that should have taken three months is now running over two years and has been one of the recurring topics in council meetings.

Although there is no timeline for the completion date, the mayor read in the same meeting a re-commitment letter from Jukie Chin, chairman of Juici Patties, who will be responsible for the greening and landscaping of the roundabout. The park will feature a fountain and seats for patrons.

- Angella Chin

Vere Tech mentorship programme launched

MAY PEN, CLARENDON:

Jamalco launched a mentorship programme for students at the Vere Technical High School in Clarendon yesterday.

An advisory committee consisting of representatives of Jamalco, the schools administration, the Parent-Teacher Association and the student body will guide the programme.

The project is being executed under the theme 'Success is an Attitude' and its primary objective is to provide guidance, support and leadership to the students of Vere.

The students will be selected by teachers and will comprise students who demonstrate declining interests in their schoolwork, changes in attitudes and behaviour and a lack of motivation.

The Jamalco mentors will be selected from among volunteers who meet specific criteria, including exhibiting strong moral values and the willingness to be trained.

The students in the programme who attains the highest average above 60 per cent for the academic year will received a Jamalco scholarship for the following year.

In the case of a final-year student who attains the best CSEC result, a scholarship will be awarded to pursue higher education while the best students in CAPE from the programme will be among a list of students from five other schools in Clarendon and Manchester to pursue studies at the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.

- Dwight Nelson