WESTERN BUREAU — Nattily dressed in tuxedos and strapless gowns, over 100 guests gathered in the elegantly decorated halls of the Montego Bay Civic Centre last Thursday evening to pay tribute to the Honorary Consul to Atlanta, Vin Martin Esquire.

“He walks with kings but has not lost the common touch,” said Montego Bay mayor, Hugh Solomon. “He is a humble man, a good man.”

Martin, resplendent in his tuxedo, mixed and mingled with the guests until at about 10:30 pm when a citation was read in his honour, followed by the presentation of the keys to the city.

In his response to the evening’s events Martin, who is the chair of the Atlanta/Montego Bay Sister City Programme, outlined even more plans to enhance the relationship between the two cities. These include bringing a trade exposition to Montego Bay during Jamaica’s independence celebrations. This event, he estimated, will bring representatives from 20 Atlanta companies to the westen city.

There are also plans for a cultural exchange, and Martin has already secured sponsorship for the entertaining Jamaican play Forbidden to tour Atlanta.

In addition, during the annual health mission, which is now in its 10th year, who will staff the 18 health clinics in Montego Bay.

Other planned events include the twinning of the cities’ fire departments, which will pave the way for the installation of smoke detectors in the homes of the less fortunate. This move is expected to alleviate the spate of fires that has left numerous persons homeless over the years.

Spotted at the function was Member of Parliament, Clive Mullings; President of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, Winston Dear and Clarence Nelson, Custos of St James.