Trewlawny 250th Anniversary

NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2020 2 TRELAWNY 250TH ANNIVERSARY Messages T HIS YEAR, the parish of Trelawny marks its 250th anniversary, having been formed by an Act of the Assembly of Jamaica in 1770. The occasion provides the opportunity for resi- dents to recognise and commem- orate their history and celebrate a future of continued growth. Trelawny has a very rich his- tory and heritage. The parish is well known for its white-sand beaches, natural scenic beauty, outstanding Georgian architec- ture, endemic birds, churches, and remarkable flora and fauna. Agriculture, tourism, and man- ufacturing are just a few of the many activities that make this fifth-largest parish important to Jamaica’s development. It is the birthplace of many of Jamaica’s finest trade unionists, politi- cians, clergymen, sportsmen, and women. Trelawny was once the cradle of Jamaican journalism, boasting six newspapers. I congratulate the Trelawny Municipal Corporation on the cel- ebration of this significant mile- stone and semi-quincentennial anniversary. You have much of which to be proud. As you reflect on the past, I trust your accom- plishments will inspire you to achieve even more in the future. SIR PATRICK ALLEN Governor General Celebrate a future of continued growth I AM elated and privileged to cel- ebrate the 250th anniversary of the naming of the historic parish of Trelawny. This quiet northwestern parish in our beautiful island has pio- neered developments in Jamaica, including the parish capital, Falmouth, being the first place in Jamaica to receive running po- table water in 1799. In addition to a rich history, deeply rooted in the wealth of our indigenous flora and fauna protected within the boundaries of the Cockpit Country, the par- ish excels in agriculture, tourism, commerce, and cultural expres- sions of Tambu, Gerre, andMento. Trelawny is also home to many of our legends, including sprint- ing greats the Hon Usain St Leo Bolt and Veronica Campbell- Brown, former Prime Minister the late Rt Hon Hugh Shearer, and academic and anthropologist the late Hon Professor Rex Nettleford. As the parish celebrates its ses- tercentennial anniversary under the theme ‘Celebrating the Past, Igniting the Future’, we continue making giant steps towards na- tional development and strive to achieve our vision to make Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families, do busi- ness, and retire in paradise. ANDREW HOLNESS Prime Minister 250 years of rich history I T GIVESme great pleasure to join with thepeopleofTrelawny inob- serving the 250th, or quarter-mil- lennial anniversary, of the parish under the theme ‘Celebrating the Past; Igniting the Future’. I see Trelawny as special from the beginning as it was created frompieces of two other parishes, St James and St Ann, to satisfy the needs of many who found it tiresome to conduct business in the faraway St James capital, Montego Bay. Trelawny became very special in many other ways. For its rich cultural diversity, its outstanding agricultural production, its popu- larity as a tourist destination, and not the least, for producing some extraordinary individuals. Foremost amongthem, of course, is the Honourable Usain Bolt, the fastest human being theworld has seen. A life-size statue of Usain will be erected in Water Square in the parish capital next year. Usain heads a rich field of sportsmen and women from Trelawny, among themmuch-dec- orated Olympic female sprinter Veronica Campbell Brown. She hails fromTroy, and so the primary school in her community will be renamed the Veronica Campbell Brown in her honour. Trelawny is also the birthplace of a former prime minister Hugh Lawson Shearer, who was born in the parish’s first capital, Martha Brae, which will be declared a her- itage site and his home restored. Comment on the list of out- standing persons from Trelawny A place of cultural diversity T RELAWNY CELEBRATES its 250th anniversary as a parish. With the expansion of tourism along the northwestern corridor of the country, Trelawny is continuing to grow in impor- tance as a prominent example of economic diversification. This parish, which first came to prosperity through agriculture, is now a base from which the tour- ism product is being diversified while retaining its agricultural heritage. In this way, the fabric of Trelawny is becoming more complex as people find social and financial opportunities in sectors ranging from cruise shipping to entertainment to small-scale and large-scale agricultural projects. This parish – formed by an act of the Assembly of Jamaica in 1770 and signed by then Governor Sir WilliamTrelawny on December 29 of that year – will be a strong con- tributor to the achievement of the sustainable development goals. It is no small expectation, given that Trelawny has one of the small- est parish populations in Jamaica. I urge the municipal leadership ofTrelawny to continue thepositive trend of consultation with parish- ioners in keeping with the Local Governance Act. I also encourage the leadership to regulate and fur- ther develop this beautiful parish. Congratulations again to the residents of the parish of Trelawny! DESMOND MCKENZIE Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Strong contributor to sustainable development T WO HUNDRED and fifty years! Amilestone achieve- ment to be proud of! I am particularly delighted to celebrate this our 250th anniver- sary as a son of the soil. Trelawny is a blessed parish that contin- ues to influence the agricultural landscape of Jamaica with our rich and delectable yellow yam, other varieties of yam, and many other crops. This resilient parish has much to be proud of as we have pro- duced many icons in major fields like music, dance, sports, and pol- itics, of whomwe are very proud. Of significant note, too, is the fact that the parish of Trelawny, and more specifically its capital, Falmouth, is now seen as a pre- ferred destination for tourists. This is testament to the growth and development of the town. The Cockpit Country is another ‘pearl of the parish’ that boasts endemic flora and fauna and is also a major attraction for locals and visitors alike. At the Trelawny Municipal Corporation, we remain resolute to the advancement and develop- ment of the parish and continue to improve amenities and infra- structure for the lives of residents. Two hundred and fifty is a stel- lar achievement, and by the grace of God, we will continue to soar higher. C. JUNIOR GAGER Mayor of Falmouth Proud of our milestone achievement PLEASE SEE MESSAGE , 3