Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall at his swearing-in ceremony on February 15, 2006. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Residents of Claremont, Hanover, the hometown of Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall, were surprised yesterday when they heard that he would be demitting office.

They also expressed disappointment that his prominence in Jamaica had done little to alleviate the poor conditions in the community.

Sir Kenneth, 67, a former principal of the University of the West Indies, Mona campus, was appointed Jamaica's fifth governor general on February 15, 2006.

Amid the mix of emotions in Claremont yesterday, a woman claiming to be a relative of Sir Kenneth expressed support for him.

The woman, who only wished to be identified as F. Hall, said Sir Kenneth's decision to retire must be respected since he would no longer be able to perform optimally because of ill health.

"I believe that, if there is a health problem and it is interfering with your ability to do your job, then the best thing to do is to resign," she said.

"You have to do what you feel is more comfortable for you when it comes on to your health."

Hall also remembered the day her well-known relative was sworn in.

"It was a proud feeling for the family and the community when one of our own was able to achieve one of the country's highest offices in Jamaica," she recounted.

Dilapidated infrastructure

Other residents of Claremont were expressing regret that the quality of life in the community had not improved with one of their own as the head of state.

In the community, deplorable roads, a lack of piped water, and a poor public-transportation system captured the neglect that has lasted for decades, according to some residents.

Jacqueline Perry, who has lived in Claremont for more than 40 years was adamant that the governor general could have helped to lobby to improve the social conditions in the community.

But she noted that Sir Kenneth's ascension brought pride to the rural community three years ago.

The governor general, whose duties are mostly ceremonial, is the Queen's representative in Jamaica.

sheena.gayle@gleanerjm.com