Joseph Elliott stands with his father S. M. Elliot who has been serving the Ballard's Valley community for over 50 years. - Leon JacksonWESTERN BUREAU:
THINGS HAVE changed dramatically since S.M. Elliott started selling The Gleaner in Ballard's Valley, St. Elizabeth, over 50 years ago.
There is not only widespread electricity, but many radio stations, cable TV and the Internet. However, Mr. Elliott has a word of advice for the public.
"You must buy The Gleaner, for the radio and TV cannot tell you everything," he emphasised.
He practices what he preaches. "I opened the shop in 1936 and started selling The Gleaner right after. I had a case in court and it's because I read The Gleaner and know things why I came through," he said.
Mr. Elliott, accompanied by his son, Joseph, took pride of place at a brief ceremony in Junction, St. Elizabeth, on Friday night to honour outstanding Gleaner agents in that town and others nearby.
Dotlyn Russell from Ridge District was honoured for over two decades of service. Keisha Johnson represented her.
Other awardees who were not at the function were Frederick Pusey (Nain), Peter Aldridge (Stephen Run), Ena Witter (Litittz) and the owners of the In Town Supercentre in Junction.
Additionally, plaques for David Wilson (Munro College), Laurna Wint (Junction) and Lanna Witter (Nain) will be presented later.
