MONTEGO BAY — Fourteen members of the Westmoreland parish council who successfully completed a training course in computer technology, were recently presented with their certificates.

Ralph Anglin, Savanna-la-Mar’s mayor and chairman of the parish council, made the presentations during the council’s monthly meeting late last week.

The presentations were made at the Anglican Church Hall in Savanna-la-Mar.

This latest group of council staff brings to 30, the number of staff members who have received computer training under the ongoing Local Government Reform programme.

The computer training programme began two years ago when local government authorities were equipped with computers to enhance the service delivery offered to the public.

Meanwhile, Mayor Anglin stressed that for local authorities to function effectively, all members of staff must be adequately trained.

“In this new dispensation, you need people who are efficient, who can communicate well with the public and who can do a number of other things well so as to enhance the service they give the general public,” he said.

He noted that training was one of the most important features of the Local Government Reform Programme and added that he was looking forward to seeing councillors receive their training early next year.

“I think this will impact greatly on the level of service given to the public and I want to take this opportunity to commend all those who have made themselves available for the training and all who have been successful,” the mayor said.

He urged all members of staff to use their training to make the council a model local authority in the country.