BLACK RIVER, St Elizabeth – Long-serving councillor for the Santa Cruz Division Stallyn Brown (JLP) made his first appearance in the St Elizabeth Parish Council on Thursday, five months after being laid low by a massive stroke.

Walking slowly with the help of others, a smiling Brown entered the monthly meeting, minutes after it was called to order, and waved a hand before taking his seat as councillors gave him a standing ovation.

Regular business was suspended, as all 14 of Brown’s colleague councillors at the meeting took turns to welcome him and wish him a speedy recovery.

They hailed his recovery thus far as testament to his courage, inner strength and determination.

The highly-respected, mild-mannered Brown, who has been a member of the St Elizabeth Parish Council for in excess of 15 years, was told by his colleagues that he had been greatly missed.

They lauded him for his civility, an unwavering refusal to be caught up in political tribalism, his good sense and willingness to share knowledge and advice with younger councillors.

Mayor of Black River and councillor for the Balaclava Division, Everton Fisher (PNP) described Brown as a “tower of strength” and an “adviser” who did not allow partisan political considerations to “bother him”.

Former Mayor and councillor for the Pedro Plains Division, Jeremy Palmer (JLP) said that Brown “epitomises the sort of civility that we should all practise…”

Palmer thanked Fisher for “looking out” for Brown’s “welfare and well-being”.

Brown, who acknowledged the speakers with smiles, nods and waves, left the meeting after half-an-hour.

Member of Parliament for North West St Elizabeth JC Hutchinson, who accompanied the Santa Cruz councillor to the meeting, thanked the Council on Brown’s behalf.