SPANISH TOWN, St Catherine – Twelve St Catherine residents were yesterday recognised for their contribution to the development of the parish, at a National Heroes Day civic ceremony at Emancipation Square in Spanish Town.

Justine Champagnie, Dennis Pryce, Richard Wates, Carlton Briton, Rosemary Green and Telbert Roberts were recognised for services to community development. Victor Edwards, Enid Peterson and Dennis Clarke were recognised for services to education, while Icylin Golding, Edith Watson and Lety Cross received awards for services to culture.

A special award was given to the Spanish Town Ministers Fraternal “for efforts in restoring peace between the ‘One Order Gang’ and the ‘Clansman Gang’.

Bringing greetings on behalf of the Custos of St Catherine Sophia Azan, Rev Terrence McKenzie, urged Jamaicans to be vocal like the national heroes, who in the midst of injustice and deprivation, spoke out for justice and righteousness.

“If as a nation we adhere to these attributes and guidelines and truly live them as our national heroes did, Jamaica would be a better place to live,” McKenzie said.