ST JAMES, Jamaica (JIS) – Montego Bay businessman, Howard Deers, JP, who was presented with the ‘Spirit of Independence’ award on August 6, by the St James Parish Council, is widely regarded in St James as a man from the “heart of the city” with the “city at heart.”

Deers, who is a product of the volatile Montego Bay inner city of Railway Gardens, has been volunteering for years to improve the city of Montego Bay and the parish of St James.

He was awarded for his community work in the parish, touching the lives of many citizens from all walks of life.

A very proud Deers told JIS News that he shares the ‘Spirit of Independence’ award with those persons he has helped along the way, especially the youth of the inner-city communities across Montego Bay.

“The award brings a feeling of satisfaction to me, to know that my work is being recognised and that I am actually alive and in good health while being awarded,” Deers said.

This devoted Jamaican has led a life of volunteerism, having given his time and service to the then Jamaica Movement for the Advancement of Literacy (JAMAL), now the Jamaica Foundation for Lifelong Learning (JFLL), the Arts and Culture Centre in Montego Bay, and as a Sports Coordinator for the Social Development Commission (SDC).