'First step is to restore civic pride' - Thompson

Port Antonio, Portland:

The saying that wise men came from the East was apparent at yesterday afternoon's swearing-in ceremony at the Portland Municipal Corporation building as Paul Thompson of the Manchioneal division in East Portland was installed as mayor of Port Antonio.

Thompson's appointment as mayor has now settled a wave of speculation, which arose among Portlanders, following last month's election, as to the person most likely to fill the post.

Rohan Vassel from the Balcarres division in West Portland was elected deputy mayor.

During his first official speech as mayor, Thompson urged stakeholders and other interests to join him in charting the way forward in restoring Portland to its former glory days - when the parish was the envy of other parishes, especially as it relates to tourism.

"The first step is to restore the civic pride in this parish," commented Thompson.

"The cleanliness of Port Antonio as a resort town is paramount. Uncollected garbage is a perennial problem in this parish, and the first order of business is to ensure that garbage collection is improved and maintained. I am under no illusion, and I am well aware of the challenges, but if we form a coalition, we can become successful in our efforts," he added.