Titania Mycko (left), who role-played as the councillor for the Hellshire Division, with Kerry Chambers, the chief administrative manager of the Portmore Municipal Council (PMC). - Anthony Minott photos

Portmore's Deputy Mayor Leon Thomas presided over his first major function since acting as the mayor of Portmore, at the Portmore Municipal Council's Independence Day ceremony at Portmore Pines Plaza, on Tuesday.

Mayor George Lee was unavoidably absent from the function. It was the first time since Portmore became a city that an elected mayor missed a function of this nature, and Thomas assumed the role with pride and competence.

In his speech, Acting Mayor Thomas called on the congregation to remember the hard work of our ancestors who built Jamaica. "Let us not forget about our ancestors that carried us to this point. We have a lot to give thanks for. For me, this significant special moment in my life is one I'll never forget," he said emotionally.

The turnout was below par, but the skills and talent of the youths of the municipality were well intact. Bridgeport Primary school danced to Kingston drummer's song African Retention, much to the delight of the audience. The same set of dancers won three gold medals at the national dance finals.

Marching bands

Two marching bands, Portmore Pace Setters and the East Central St Catherine Marching Band, entertained the gathering.

Kemar Francis of the Portmore Dance Theatre Company did a solo effort with Young Man Pride. It was a performance that left many in awe.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller's message was read by Colin Fagan, member of parliament for South East St Catherine. Opposition leader Andrew Holness' message was read by Keith Blake, the councillor for the Independence City Division, while Gladys Hyatt, justice of the peace, read the governor general's message.

The function started with a march-past by members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, as guests, Deputy Mayor Thomas and commanding officer for St Catherine South, Senior Superintendent Colin Pinnock, looked on.

At the end, the delightful Kerry Chambers, the chief administrative manager of the Portmore Municipal Council, gave the vote of thanks.