Richard Morais, Gleaner Writer

Oldster Royland Sinclair grimaces as he attempts to lift this young lass, Carol Walker, with this bewildered look during the hatfield Cultural Group performance at the St James Independence Civic Ceremony in Sam Sharpe Square in Montego Bay, yesterday. After many tries he, however, had a lift-off and hoisted the youngster. - Photo by Richard Morais

WESTERN BUREAU:

A large number Montego Bay residents came out to witness local talents at the well-presented St James Independence Civic Ceremony in Sam Sharpe Square last Wednesday.

There were top performances from the Hatfield Cultural Group, which had the audience entertained with song and drama during their performance.

Cornwall College Choir, who were this year's national winners in the vocal gospel intermediate category, were exceptional. So, too, were the gold medal-winning Eber Preparatory School and Mt Piece Mento Band.

Heading the gathering was mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Charles Sinclair, who charged the gathering to uphold the culture. Invocation was done by the St James Ministers' Fraternal president, Rev Godfrey Francis.

Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce President, Lloyd B. Smith, brought greetings while Water and Housing Minister, Dr Horace Chang, read the prime minister's message. Member of Parliament Derrick Kellier read the oppositions leader's message while president of the St James Lay Magistrate Association, Enel Brydson, read the governor general's message.