Mayor of Black River and Chairman of the St Elizabeth Municipal Corporation, Councillor Richard Solomon, opines that the people of the parish are resilient, and that trait is what will carry the parish and Jamaica forward. Addressing an Emancipation/Independence Thanksgiving Church Service at the Shiloh Apostolic Church in New Building, Nain, in the parish on Sunday, Solomon said this year’s theme, ‘United in Celebrating Resilience’, captures a national story built on courage, perseverance, faith and determination. He noted that this is reflected daily in the breadbasket parish’s farmers, entrepreneurs, teachers, community leaders, young people, families and churches. “We see it in the determination of ordinary Jamaicans [in St Elizabeth] who continue to work hard, overcome challenges and contribute to the development of our nation,” Solomon said. St Elizabeth was one of the western parishes devastated by Hurricane Melissa last October. Solomon encouraged citizens to support one another, invest in young people, strengthen local businesses and preserve the country’s rich cultural heritage, noting that these efforts help build stronger communities and a more resilient nation. He urged citizens to reflect on the country’s journey as well as give thanks for the freedom enjoyed today. “I also wish to acknowledge the important role that the church continues to play in our communities. The church remains a source of hope, strength, guidance and encouragement for our people,” Solomon said. Meanwhile, St Elizabeth Parish Manager for the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, Patrice Nephew, said the thanksgiving service marked the beginning of a series of Emancipation and Independence activities across the parish. She invited residents to attend the Emancipation Vigil on July 31 at the St Elizabeth Municipal Corporation waterfront car park in Black River beginning at 8 p.m. The programme will feature cultural and gospel performances, culminating at midnight with the symbolic reading of the Proclamation of Emancipation by the custos, commemorating the moment enslaved Africans learned they had gained their freedom. Nephew also encouraged residents to support the parish’s Festival Queen representative during the Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Competition on August 1. She further announced that the parish’s annual Civic Flag-Raising Ceremony will be held at Black River High School on Independence Day, August 6, beginning at 8 a.m., before celebrations continue later that day with the Independence Gospel Concert in Junction Square.