St James to honour 10 Hurricane Melissa ‘heroes’

ST JAMES, Jamaica — On Heroes Day, the St James Municipal Corporation will honour 10 individuals for their roles in assisting others during the passage of Hurricane Melissa. Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon told the Jamaica Observer that following dialogue with his colleagues at the Corporation, they found it necessary that this year’s National Heroes Day Civic and Awards Ceremony must carry special significance. "In the spirit of Heritage and Heroes Week, and just days before the anniversary of Hurricane Melissa, we will pay tribute to our national heroes while recognising the extraordinary citizens of St.

James who displayed courage and service during one of our most challenging times," he stated. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, left a trail of destruction and death as it passed over western Jamaica including St James. However, things could have been worse had it not been for the bravery of some.

"For the first time, the Municipal Medal of Honor will be awarded to 10 outstanding individuals whose bravery during Hurricane Melissa stands as a beacon of resilience," he explained. "We will also recognise the dedicated municipal volunteers who supported the Emergency Operations Centre, and civil servants who went above the call of duty in the emergency response and early recovery. These honorees will receive the Mayor’s Special Awards and the newly introduced Mayor’s Excellence Award for Public Service," he said.

He added that the traditional Sam Sharpe Awards will continue, ensuring that those who embody the values of service, sacrifice, and community spirit are honoured. "This adjustment is unique to 2026, designed to reflect both the heritage of our parish and the living heroism of our people. It is a symbolic ceremony that reminds us that heroism is alive in the actions of ordinary citizens who, in extraordinary times, become heroes," he explained.

He said that applications will be open in September for individuals to nominate individuals with more information to follow. "I invite the people of St James to join us in this celebration of courage, service, and resilience, as we honor our heroes past and present, and reaffirm the strength of our community," he said