Whitmore 'deeply honoured' - St James PC names two roads after former Reggae Boy

WESTERN BUREAU:

Former national football star, Theodore 'Tappa' Whitmore, was one of nine prominent St James residents to have roads renamed in their honour at a ceremony hosted by the St James Parish Council at the Montego Bay Sports Complex on Tuesday.

"I am deeply honoured and extremely privileged to be among the list of persons to be recognised by the St James Parish Council in such a significant way," said Whitmore, who represented Jamaica with distinction in the 1998 World Cup Finals in France. "To have a road named after me is truly humbling.

"I have spent most of my adult life dedicated to something I love, which is football. Not many people have the awesome blessing of getting up each day and working in an environment that fills their heart with such satisfaction," continued Whitmore. "Therefore, it is my fervent desire to continue to serve my country and community by contributing in all ways I can to uplift those with whom I come in contact with, but more important, the less fortunate."

Whitmore also took the opportunity to make an impassioned plea for greater investment in the youth, citing the recent successes of two of St James football clubs.

"On Saturday, the Granville Football Club won the Western Confederation Super League and Montego Bay United won the Red Stripe Premier League on Sunday," said Whitmore. "These two championship successes have brought great pride to the west and are sterling examples of how community programmes can provide a positive alternative to our youths.

"That is why I am convinced we can turn things around for our young men and women and (help them) regain their self-esteem through dignified work and community interaction."

He continued: "As I accept this gesture by the parish council, I do not only do so with a grateful heart, but also with a call for renewal in community development and greater investment in our young people."

Whitmore was one of nine honourees at the ceremony, which named 10 roadways in Montego Bay after prominent Montegonians - living and deceased - who offered exemplary service to the city through business, politics and sports.

The two roadways named after Whitmore are: Theodore Whitmore Crescent, the section of roadway from the Howard Cooke Boulevard turning on to the Montego Bay Road and then right at the first roundabout in the southerly direction, passing the Catherine Hall Shopping Complex (MegaMart) to the second roundabout; and Theodore Whitmore Close, the section of roadway from Theodore Whitmore Crescent to the Montego Bay Sports Complex Bleachers' Car Park.

The other eight newly named roadways in Montego Bay are:

- A.G.S. Coombs Road, named after the late former Minister of Communication and Works A.G.S. Coombs.

- Arthur Gilchrist Boulevard, after the late former Mayor of Montego Bay Councillor Arthur Gilchrist.

- Charles E. Sinclair Road, after the late former Mayor of Montego Bay Councillor Charles E. Sinclair.

- Clarence Nelson Drive, after the late former Custos Rotulorum of St James Clarence Nelson.

- Francis Tulloch Road, after businessman and former Minister of Tourism Francis Tulloch.

- Glaister Dehaney Close, after businessman Glaister Dehaney.

- Maffessanti Drive, after developer and builder Guiseppe Maffessanti.

- Dr Marco Brown Road, after retired medical practitioner Dr Marco Brown.