MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Mayor of Mandeville and Chairman of the Manchester Municipal Corporation, Donovan Mitchell wants to strengthen his organisation through partnership with the city of Manchester in England.

He made the disclosure earlier this month at a farewell brunch organised by the Manchester Chamber of Commerce at the Mandeville Hotel in honour of British High Commissioner to Jamaica David Fitton.

Mitchell said that he would like to have a “twinning” of corporations with the Manchester Municipal Corporation and the local government body in Manchester, England.

His vision includes technical assistance for local government practitioners, and to have universities in both localities forging bonds.

Mitchell hinted at having the outgoing High Commissioner, who is from Manchester in England, assist in clearing the path for the eventual partnership.

“It (the plans) was on the books at the corporation. I want it to happen with this administration…,” Mitchell told Jamaica Observer Central.

Fitton’s stint in Jamaica ends this month after a four-year tour of duty.

President of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Garfield Green lauded Fitton for his work, which he said has moved Jamaica closer to achieving its Vision 2030 goals.

Green said Fitton had robustly supported local agencies, including providing assistance for a training facility at the Manchester-based Wigton Windfarm, providing assistance to reform the justice sector, and ensuring that more Jamaicans can receive scholarships to do advanced studies in the United Kingdom.

Fitton said the High Commission has been keen to develop its links with different parts of the island.

The Manchester Chamber of Commerce brunch was also used to recognise the work of immediate past Mayor of Mandeville Brenda Ramsay.

— Alicia Sutherland