ST JAMES, Jamaica — Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon is calling for support from the wider St James community as they seek to carry out a massive clean-up exercise on Sunday.

Dubbed “Operation Restoration and Clean-Up Day, it will target from Bogue in the west and cover different areas in Montego Bay all the way to the airport.

“I am appealing to everyone to come out in support of this activity,” the mayor told Observer Online on Saturday.

This is being done in response to the damage and devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa and copious amounts of debris it left in its wake.

Vernon said those who want to participate should contact the community relations department or their councillor who will be doing similar clean-up activities across the 17 divisions. Activities are set to get underway by 7:00am.

“This is a city wide initiative supported by our stakeholders to reclaim our public spaces,” said Vernon who is also urging individuals to continue doing the work to make their own space clean.

“I appeal to every resident, clean your own space, then join your neighbours. Your hands and your heart are the fastest way to recovery,” he said.

The mayor has acknowledged the support of members of the diaspora, in particular American Friends of Jamaica who contributed USD $25,000 to the Mayor’s Charity Fund to undertake clean-up efforts across the city.

“This will certainly aid our restoration efforts as we steadily move back to normal,” he added.