Dear Editor,

Driving along Grove Road in Mandeville on the afternoon of Sunday, October 6, my mother and I witnessed the dignified funeral procession that brought the body of the late former Mayor of Mandeville Cecil Charlton to his final resting place at the Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, a few kilometres away.

Later in the day, I watched the news stories that reflected on his funeral, where several local and national politicians, from both sides, paid tribute to not only his stature and his personality, but also to his stellar contribution to Mandeville, the parish of Manchester, and indeed, Jamaica.

Later in the day, I watched the news stories that reflected on his funeral, where several local and national politicians, from both sides, paid tribute to not only his stature and his personality, but also to his stellar contribution to Mandeville, the parish of Manchester, and indeed, Jamaica.

I did not have the privilege to know Mayor Charlton personally, but I have heard many stories of his great success from my parents, grandparents, family friends, etc. Mr Charlton, despite his switch in political allegiance, consistently gave his material wealth, his energy and his passion to the development of the town that he governed and loved so dearly.

I note plans by the Manchester Parish Council to build and erect a monument in his honour at the Cecil Charlton Park, which, unfortunately, he has not lived to see. Ina much as these tangible expressions are meaningful, an even greater way to honour Mayor Charlton is by further expansion of his beloved town.

Although Mandeville has suffered due to the recent decline of the bauxite industry, Mandeville remains a town with great potential. With the closure of the bauxite industry, Mandeville can now see itself re-emerging as a mecca for sectors such as education, banking and finance, and manufacturing, which in turn, will see a renaissance of all other supporting industries that seemed to have died quietly alongside bauxite. These industries can further be supported by the development of existing infrastructure which can make Mandeville more conducive to do business, such as an improved water supply system, continued support of educational institutions and the existing ideals of peace, morality and camaraderie that Mandeville is still known for.

Mayor Charlton could only do so much and no more for his beloved Mandeville. Let us copy his enthusiasm. May his soul rest in peace.

Markel Virgo

markel.virgo@gmail.com