RESIDENTS of the affluent Orange Grove–Bridgemount community in St Andrew North Central turned out in their numbers on Sunday to honour Karl Samuda who has served as their Member of Parliament (MP) for 45 years, and to engage the man picked by the Jamaica Labour Party to replace him, Senator Delano Seiveright.

Known for its ranch-style houses, manicured gardens, and tight-knit spirit, the residents celebrated Samuda for his decades of representation as MP for St Andrew North Central.

Rae Gascoigne, President of the Orange Grove–Bridgemount Citizens’ Association, led the celebratory event and presented Samuda with a plaque of appreciation on behalf of residents for his years of public service.

Christopher Henry, the man selected by the People’s National Party to contest the St Andrew North Central constituency, and a resident of the area, also spoke to Samuda’s leadership.

In the meantime Seiveright declared his commitment to the continued development of the community.

He pointed to the recently completed SPARK road rehabilitation project in the area, which the residents praised, and announced that a private sector partner has committed to repairing a deteriorated road in Summit Heights, at no cost to taxpayers.

“Regular communication and a collaborative approach to problem-solving, some of which will not rely solely on Government, are essential to building strong, harmonious communities,” said Seiveright.

Seiveright also underscored his personal connection to the community, pointing out that he is not only a resident in the constituency but that both he, and his children, have attended schools in the area.