Month-long activities are to take place in November (Local Government Month) to increase awareness about the work of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.

The events will be held under the theme ‘Reigniting a Nation for Greatness Through Local Government’.

Among the activities was a cross-island run, which commenced during a ceremony held at the Portmore Municipal Corporation in St Catherine, recently, marking the official launch of the month’s celebrations.

More than 500 runners are set to participate and will carry a baton of messages from the governor general; the prime minister; portfolio minister, Desmond McKenzie; and the Association of Local Government Authorities of Jamaica.

The final stop will be in Kingston on Saturday, November 5, at the Kencot Seventh-day Adventist Church, where the messages will be delivered during the church service.

Providing details during his address at the launch ceremony, Minister McKenzie lauded the work of all the stakeholders who helped to support the ministry in improving service quality.

“I urge all Jamaicans to recognise the work of local government. While we are not perfect, we have come a far way,” he argued.

The minister highlighted that the ministry will host an awards ceremony to honour councillors for their long service at Jamaica House, in Kingston.

“We will also acknowledge the work of our local government practitioners, and especially the workers in our infirmaries, who did a fantastic job in protecting our residents and keeping our infirmaries safe during [the novel coronavirus pandemic],” McKenzie added.

He disclosed that the St James Infirmary will also receive a new kitchen and dining room.

Other activities will include a cook-off between agencies of the ministry and a Youth Mayor’s Forum.

All municipalities are required to form their junior councils, which will include an elected junior mayor, deputy mayor and chief executive officer (CEO), to replicate the work of the municipality.

“The Youth Mayor’s Forum [will see] all mayors from across the country [discussing] issues relevant to local government, especially in this the 60th year of our independence,” McKenzie said.