MONEAGUE, St Ann:COUNCILLOR FOR the Moneague division in St Ann, Lloyd Garrick, was honoured for his dedicated service to the people of the division for over a decade, with the opening of the Lloyd Garrick Park on Monday.
Garrick, who spearheaded the development of the park, came in for several commendations from speakers at the official opening.
The residents of the community submitted the required petition to the St Ann Parish Council to have the newly completed park, situated opposite the tax office in Moneague, named in honour of the councillor.
Councillors from both sides, People's National Party and Jamaica Labour Party, turned out for the event that had State Minister in the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, Colin Fagan, as guest speaker.
maintaining development
Fagan said councillors were each given $1 million to work on projects to benefit now and future generations under the Legacy Project. These projects would serve as a reminder of the role played by the council in maintaining sustainable development across the parishes.
He commended Garrick for his years of public service, and the parish council for honouring him by naming the park after him.
Fagan also recognised the National Water Commission and the Jamaica Public Service for providing water and electricity, respectively, at the facility.
Garrick could hardly contain his joy.
"I won't forget today. It's my birthday and the day my dream came true for a park for Moneague," said an emotional Garrick. He expressed the hope that the park would be used by not just the people of Moneague, but by others from further afield also.
"I am proud as the person who spearheaded the development of this park. Today, we can be proud to celebrate the Lloyd Garrick Park in Moneague."
Mayor Desmond Gilmore commended Garrick for his work in his division for over a decade.
"I want us to see the park as ours. Irrespective of the name on it, please take care of it," Gilmore told the gathering.
Justice of the Peace Benjamin James Nunes, who represented Custos Norma Walters, said Garrick must be commended for having a park named in his honour, while Member of Parliament for South East St Ann, Lisa Hanna, in her message, said Garrick is well known for his hard work in the community.
She said the opening of the park fits into a larger area of development that includes facilities such as a health centre and will serve to strengthen ties in the community.