Montego Bay Mayor Calls for Community Support Ahead of Citywide Clean-Up

ST JAMES, Jamaica — Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, is appealing to residents and stakeholders across St James to support a major clean-up exercise scheduled for Sunday.

The initiative, dubbed Operation Restoration and Clean-Up Day, will target areas stretching from Bogue in the west through sections of Montego Bay and extending to the Sangster International Airport.

The mayor said the effort is being organised in response to the widespread damage and debris caused by Hurricane Melissa and is urging residents to participate in the recovery process.

Persons interested in taking part are being encouraged to contact the Community Relations Department or their respective councillors, who will be coordinating similar activities across all 17 divisions in the parish. Clean-up activities are scheduled to begin at 7:00 a.m.

Vernon described the initiative as a citywide effort supported by various stakeholders and aimed at restoring public spaces. He also encouraged residents to take responsibility for keeping their immediate surroundings clean before assisting in neighbouring communities.

The mayor acknowledged support from members of the diaspora, particularly the American Friends of Jamaica, who contributed US$25,000 to the Mayor’s Charity Fund to assist with restoration efforts across the city.

He said the contribution will aid the parish’s recovery as efforts continue to return Montego Bay to normal.