Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer
SPANISH TOWN, St. Catherine:
THERE WAS an emotionally-charged general meeting at the St. Catherine Parish Council last Thursday, as councillors from both sides of the political divide paid homage to Superintendent of Roads and Works Franklyn Binns, who had demitted office.
In their tribute, the councillors lauded Mr. Binns, who has been with the St. Catherine Parish Council since 1999, when he replaced Tubal Brown. They described him as a father of the council, as a man who acted as a mediator, a facilitator and "one who generally puts the council business on the front burner regardless of which party he served".
NONE LIKE FRANKLYN BINNS
In his presentation, the longest-serving councillor, Ralston Wilson said that having served under so many superintendents, there was none like Franklyn Binns. To this day, he said the superintendent holds a great place in his heart. "Sir, we will miss you badly, as through you, the entire unit of the St. Catherine Parish Council was unified. We were without political undertone and that is what helped us to be in this position. We thank you and wish you all the best."
At one point, the chamber was transformed into a concert hall after minority leader Denise Daley began singing You're Simply The Best. All councillors joined in.
TRIBUTES
Other tributes came from Mayor Dr. Andrew Wheatley, Michael Morrison, secretary manager, and Samuel Cameron, chief public health inspector for St. Catherine, who told the gathering that it was rare that a superintendent was departing public life and being "lauded by both sides of the political fence". He added that the experience had "left a pleasant taste in his mouth".
Mr. Binns' successor, Aston Esmie, also paid homage to the superintendent and promised to emulate him in as many ways as possible.
