MONTEGO BAY, St James — The Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, who played a vital role in establishing Chetwood Primary, Mount Alvernia Preparatory and Kindergarten, as well as Mount Alvernia High schools in Montego Bay, are to be given the Key to the City.

The honour is part of the St James Municipal Corporation’s recognition of the Sisters’ “sterling contribution in the field of education and spiritual guidance”.

A resolution was passed by the local body last Thursday in celebration of the schools’ 100-year anniversary.

“A heartfelt thank you for the incredible honour of inviting us to share in this special occasion. Celebrating 100 years of the presence of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany in Montego Bay is not just a reflection of the past, but it is a reaffirmation of our ongoing commitment to education, service, and nurturing of Christian values,” said Sister Odette Haddad.

“We are deeply humbled by the recognition of Mount Alvernia High, Prep and Kindergarten and Chetwood Memorial’s role in shaping young minds and strengthening the foundation of education in Montego Bay and beyond,” she continued.

The symbolic Key will be handed over to the Sisters on October 4 which, under the same resolution, has been designated Mount Alvernia Chetwood Day.

“Receiving the key to the city is a profound honour — I get goosebumps just saying it — one that speaks of the deep and enduring bond between the Franciscan Sisters and the people of Montego Bay,” Sister Odette stated after the resolution was passed.

“This celebration is not just about the past, it is about the future — our shared mission to continue fostering faith and knowledge for generations to come,” she added.

October 4 is a day that already has special meaning for the religious order.

“It coincides with the Feast of St Francis whose legacy continues to inspire us today,” Sister Odette explained.

The three schools were established in 1925 when the Sisters came to Montego Bay, determined to establish a school for children from lower socio-economic levels. Out of that came an institution that later became Chetwood Primary School. In later years they established a fee-paying institution — St James Academy — which in turn became Mount Alvernia Preparatory and Kindergarten and Mount Alvernia High.

Speaking at the press launch of the Mount Alvernia Centennial Celebrations on November 21 last year, mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon had revealed his intention to take the resolution to the council. Last Thursday, Councillor Charles Sinclair (Jamaica Labour Party, Montego Bay North East Division) read aloud the resolution. It was seconded by Councillor Damion Brown (JLP, Montego Bay West Division). The three schools are located in that division.

Sinclair said the resolution held special meaning for him.

“My entire family — basically my siblings and my children — passed through the institution that I stand here to celebrate with them [regarding their observation of] 100 years,” he declared.

“My sisters, three of them, went to Mount Alvernia Prep and went to Mount Alvernia High School, and my children went to Mount Alvernia; one is currently there,” Sinclair added.