MINISTER of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie says the Government is focused on empowering citizens to play a more integral role in nation building.

The objectives, he said, are to build community partnerships in reducing crime and creating the conditions for sustained economic and social stability.

The minister’s remarks came in a speech delivered by Senator Charles A Sinclair at a function held recently at the Montego Bay Sports Complex in Catherine Hall, to recognise nine prominent sons of the city.

McKenzie said that the city of Montego Bay is critical to the growth agenda, and the Government will be committed to ensuring that it remains clean and safe and is befitting of its status as the nation’s tourism capital.

“The Government stands resolute with you to facilitate such empowerment so that you, our citizens, are able to take control of your own destiny and manage the affairs that directly impact your lives,” he noted.

The minister, in the meantime, commended the tremendous support of citizens in the clean up of the city last month, and implored those who did not participate to make a contribution in whatever way they can.

He argued that “persons will better appreciate their communities when they can claim a piece of the community through their own personal efforts. There is real value to this as you hold one of the most priceless real estate in Jamaica. The resort city of Montego Bay remains a significant contributor to our gross domestic product and overall revenue”.

Minister McKenzie further urged residents of the city to participate in the discussions and activities of local government and to become part of the decision-making process in their communities.

The nine Montegonians, who included Sinclair, were recognised for exemplary service and contribution to the development of Montego Bay in the areas of business, politics and sports. Streets in the city were renamed in their honour.

The other honourees are medical doctor Marco Brown; developer Giuseppe Maffessanti; businessman Glaister Dehaney; late Custos Clarence Nelson; former Mayor Arthur Gilchrist; former Tourism Minister Francis Tulloch; labour advocate A G S Coombs; and former national footballer, Theodore Whitmore.