HATFIELD, Manchester — Social Development Commission (SDC) offices across Jamaica recently honoured community groups, community leaders and partners.

For organisers of the Manchester function it was also an opportunity to say an early farewell to longstanding Manchester Southern Member of Parliament Michael Peart.

He has served Manchester Southern as MP since 1993 and was presented with a pictorial detailing some of that journey.

Peart will not be contesting the next general election as he will be retiring from representational politics.

He was recognised as one of the main sponsors of the activities of the SDC over the years.

“This is indeed a pleasant surprise,” Peart told the gathering at the Tropics View Hotel in Hatfield, Manchester .

One of the other special awardees on the occasion was RJR Communications Group correspondent Courtney Morgan. He has been active in the coverage of diverse items of news and sports particularly in Manchester since 1997.

Mandeville Mayor Brenda Ramsay was noted for being an “ardent” supporter of the SDC.

Ashalia Williams of Richmond, Clive Green of Comfort, Jonothan Nisbeth of Alligator Pond, Doris Lewis of Lancaster, Roy Reid of Walderston, Dean Lalor of Evergreen and Loxley Robinson of Knockpatrick were highlighted for providing leadership in their communities.

Community groups were awarded in catergories including priority planning and project development, community research and database, local economic development and support programme and sports for community development.

— Alicia Sutherland