While Americans were celebrating the birth of their nation on July 4, 2025, America’s Independence Day, Jamaican American Alison Smith and her family were celebrating another kind of birth — the renaming of the street she grew up on in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, after her grandfather, Charles “CD” Wright.

The former School Street is now CD Wright Road, offering motorists and pedestrians an alluring seafront vista as they traverse the usually busy thoroughfare.

Smith, who made history as the first black woman to serve as president of the 100-year-old Broward County Bar Association, viewed the street renaming ceremony alongside her sister, Dr Jessica Smith, and her (Alison’s) twin daughters Emma Grace and Ella Rose Smith.

Wright, also affectionately called “Captain” or “Poco Wright”, was a pastor and the first Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth South Western, for the Jamaica Labour Party, from 1959 to 1972. His lengthy, almost two-decade run as a politician underscores how beloved he was by the people of his community.

Wright deeply loved St Elizabeth and fervently advocated for significant changes that would improve educational opportunities, health care, the environment, and other social issues. To that end, Wright was responsible for numerous infrastructure improvements in the town of Black River and throughout St Elizabeth.

To illustrate, he was responsible for the construction of the Black River Police Station, as well as the Black River and Newell High Schools (then called secondary schools) and the dumping of the sea wall in Black River.

Several individuals who championed the street renaming as being crucial to honour Wright’s legacy, included Agriculture Minister Floyd Green, who occupies the same role that C D Wright did back in his heyday; former Black River Mayor Derrick Sangster; current mayor Richard Solomon; local medic Dr Adeyini Bamidele; CEO Errol Lebert, and Dennis Vassel, a former resident of the town now living overseas.

Vassel, one of the most vocal and ardent supporters, viewed Wright as a mentor, carrying himself with both power and humility. Vassel staunchly advocated for the street renaming to take place, noting that it was decades in the making and richly deserved.

Said Smith: “Although my grandfather passed away a few years before I was born, I grew up hearing how much of a legend he was, and being told of his vast contributions to St Elizabeth.

“My family and I were beaming with pride to witness such an amazing recognition. Public service is not always recognised, so the fact that his name will live on in perpetuity for future generations to be aware of is something we are deeply grateful for.

“Hopefully I can carry on his legacy of greatness with God’s help,” said Smith, who currently serves on the Board of Governors for the Florida Bar, a significant role, as the governors are responsible for overseeing the practice of law in the entire state of Florida.

First and late Jamaica Labour Party Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth South Western C D Wright addressing a function in his beloved Black River. His late wife Keturah Wright is seated at right.

Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie (second left) and Agriculture Minister Floyd Green (fourth left) are with the Smith sisters Alison (third left) and Jessica at the recent renaming ceremony in Black River, St Elizabeth.