Member of Parliament Pearnel Charles Jr recently honoured 80 Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) workers during the inaugural event celebrating the history of Clarendon South Eastern.

The ceremony was held under the theme ‘Celebrating our Founding Fathers, Building on the Legacy of South East Clarendon’, which has the distinction of having two former prime ministers and leaders of the JLP, as well as a deputy leader.

The event was conceptualised to acknowledge past leaders who served in the constituency, distinguished workers who passed away, and show appreciation to some of the veterans and devoted workers who sacrificed their time and effort to build their community.

Presenting the workers with plaques, gift baskets, and certificates of appreciation, MP Charles Jr shared, “I am truly grateful to my team for putting on such an amazing event which is the prelude to a series of worker engagements to acknowledge their service and contribution to nation-building. It is important to recognise the service of others but it is even more gratifying to honour them while they are with us.”

Immediate past MP Rudyard Spencer and his wife were present at the event to receive a citation in recognition of his service to Jamaica.

Additionally, Dr Denise Eldemire received a citation on behalf of her late husband, former Prime Minister Hugh Lawson Shearer, while keynote speaker Pearnel Charles Sr, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, unveiled a citation for Sir Alexander Bustamante. Charles Sr worked with Bustamante during his political career.

“These leaders represented the Jamaica Labour Party with distinction and served the people of the constituency exceptionally well, so my team and I had to honour their outstanding contribution,” MP Charles Jr said while speaking at the Wembley Centre of Excellence where the event was hosted.

Highlighting the rich history of the JLP and how the founding fathers served to make Jamaica a better place, Charles Sr excited and energised the crowd with colour.

Mayor of May Pen Councillor Winston Maragh, Councillor Carlene Benjamin, other councillor caretakers, members of the executive and party workers and representatives were present at the event.

In a special tribute to former mayor of May Pen and councillor for the Mineral Heights Division, the late Milton Brown, who was represented by his wife Ethel Brown, Charles Jr praised Brown for his service which was of great impact to the community and the JLP.

“Milton Brown mentored me and he gave his all by campaigning for me even on his last breath. Ruddy was also a tower of strength and very instrumental in my success at both the bi-election and general election,” Charles Jr said.