Williams vows to make May Pen ‘a jewel’
Published:Friday | March 8, 2024 | 12:10 AMOlivia Brown/Gleaner Writer
COUNCILLOR JOEL Williams, the newly minted chairman of the Clarendon Municipal Corporation (CMC) and mayor of May Pen, gave a commitment to “make May Pen into a jewel”.
Williams was delivering his inaugural address during the swearing-in ceremony for the newly inducted councillors inside the council chamber at the CMC yesterday.
“Thirty-four years ago I graced this chamber with my presence, and today, I am sitting in front of you as the mayor of May Pen,” said Williams, who is also the councillor for the Denbigh division in Clarendon Central.
The newly elected mayor also revealed plans for beautification initiatives geared at enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the parish and its capital.
“It is my intention to make the town of May Pen, and by extension, the parish of Clarendon, be proud of me as your mayor. My intention is to engage every single businessperson around the town of May Pen,” he said.
“We [also] have to paint up the place. We have to clean up the grime, and the town must look like a town that you want to do your business, raise your children, and retire. I intend to start that process, hitting the ground running,” posited Williams.
Additionally, he said that efforts would be directed at the development of other town centres across the central parish.
READY FOR ROLE
In delineating the contours of his new-found responsibility, Williams cited the work of mayor as one that require great effort but vowed meticulous preparation and readiness to embrace the forthcoming challenge.
“It’s an awesome responsibility I’m taking on my shoulders, but I want to assure you that I’m up to the task. I want to assure you that I’m well prepared, and I cannot find words to say to Mike Henry, ‘How grateful I am to you’,” said Williams of the 10-term Clarendon Central member of parliament.
While sharing that Henry is his mentor, and whose guidance propelled him into the realm of politics, Williams’ voice waned and he started crying.
Several stakeholders also pledged their commitment to fostering the progressive development of Clarendon. Among them was Austin Mooney, managing director of bauxite refinery Jamalco, who gave the assurance that the company had been actively exploring the prospect of acquiring land for a new cemetery.
“Some time ago, Jamalco was approached by the municipal corporation with a request for land to construct a new cemetery, and we acknowledge the urgent need for more burial space,’’ said Mooney, adding that Jamalco would provide a favourable update in short order.
Newly minted Custos Rotulorum of Clarendon, Edith Chin, said the ceremony “signifies a collective pledge of service [and is] a testament to the commitment to uphold and bring to life the noblest aspirations of the people we’re all privileged to serve’.
Chin also charged the 22 sworn-in councillors to take their oaths seriously.
“These words represent your pledge to conduct yourself with utmost integrity, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of our citizens,” said Chin.