A WAR of words broke out yesterday during the KSAC's first council meeting for 2006, as People's National Party (PNP) and Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) councillors argued over support for a resolution to have Main Street in Ocho Rios renamed Edward Seaga Drive.
The St. Ann Parish Council passed the resolution in October last year, citing Mr. Seaga as "singularly responsible for the conversion and development of the village of Ocho Rios into the major tourist town".
The St. Ann Parish Council said Mr. Seaga was responsible for the reclamation of an 80-acre Turtle Beach property; the establishment of the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) which was responsible for the development of the Ocho Rios waterfront, and partnerships with foreign investors that established major hotels along the strip. The St. Ann council also said Mr. Seaga was responsible for the purchase and development of the Belmont property through which one of Jamaica's prime attractions, Dunn's River, flows.
PNP COUNCILLORS ABSTAINED
But PNP councillors abstained from the resolution arguing that the issue was outside the jurisdiction of the KSAC and that only new roads should be renamed.
"The time has come when we should leave main roads ... Whether roads are being renamed after Mr. Patterson, Mr. Manley, the argument is the same," argued one councillor. "New roads give it to them, leave it alone."
But the mayor supported the arguments of his JLP councillors who said Mr. Seaga's contributions to Jamaica made him worthy of the accolade.
"This council will recognise the work of any individual who has contributed to the development of Jamaica, it goes beyond question," Mayor McKenzie said. "Whether that person is a PNP or JLP, we will honour those people for their contribution to the country."
COUNCILLORS ERUPTED
But PNP councillors erupted when Mayor McKenzie said there had never been opposition to the renaming of a street until the council tried to rename Ocean Boulevard, in downtown Kingston, as Edward Seaga Boulevard late last year.
"We renamed some six roads in this municipality and the arguments that are being put forward were never ever once brought to the table," the Kingston mayor claimed.
The resolution was passed by a majority support from JLP councillors. A resolution to endorse a "right of way" left turn at major intersections, stop lights and stop signs was also supported by the council yesterday. However, notice was given to another resolution to have the Government set up an indigent housing fund in St. Thomas.
