HANOVER, Jamaica — As the country celebrated its 64th year of independence, Mayor of Lucea Sheridan Samuels used a civic ceremony in observance of the milestone to reflect on the hardships Hanover has faced in recent years.

Among the list is Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that ripped through five western parishes, leaving a trail of devastation last October.

Samuels argued that this year’s theme, “United in Celebrating Resilience” speaks directly to the “strong spirit of Hanover.”

“Over the years, we have encountered severe hardship, recovering from Hurricane Beryl, tropical storm Raphael and then hurricane Melissa. And now, we are preparing for another active hurricane season,” stated Samuels.

The mayor was addressing an independence civic ceremony held at Bustamante Square in Lucea on Thursday.

Samuels, who is also the chairman of the Hanover Municipal Corporation, noted that throughout these challenges, the corporation and the people of Hanover have stood together with strength, unity, and courage.

“Still fixing our roads, supporting our young people, with summer work, back to school book vouchers, tuition fees and keeping our communities safe partnering with the JCF through their community relations programmes — neighbourhood watch and police youth clubs, — moving Hanover forward is the shared duty of all of us,” stated Samuels.

He also extended gratitude to those who have played vital roles in the parish moving forward.

“I offer my sincere thanks to our clergy, our security forces, our firefighters, our social workers, the organisers [of the civic ceremony] — Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) and [the] municipal corporation staff — and every single resident that has contributed to nation building, by uplifting Hanover,” argued Samuels.

The mayor concluded by encouraging Hanoverians to observe Independence 2026 with love, gratitude, and respect for each other.

“Lets celebrate our rich culture, and renew our promise to stay united,” charged Mayor Samuels.

During the function, Custos of Hanover Lennox Anderson-Jackson delivered the governor-general’s message, Angela Hay delivered the prime minister’s message, and Member of Parliament for Hanover Western Heatha Miller-Bennett (People’s National Party) delivered the Opposition leader’s message.

— Anthony Lewis