MINISTER OF Industry and Tourism, Aloun Assamba, has warned her constituents that she would have no problem demoting office rather than subscribing to what she called a culture of crime and indiscipline.
The Minister, who is also the Member of Parliament for South East St. Ann, was speaking at the Rio Hoe Community Corner League Football Association awards ceremony at the Moneague Teachers' College, St Ann on Sunday.
"I am always available to my constituents, in fact I answer my own phone," she said. "I am also someone who doesn't make a promise I don't intend or have no way of keeping. What I will not be a part of though ... in no shape or form ... is crime and indiscipline. I would rather not be your Member of Parliament if this is what it comes down to."
The Minister, in lauding the organisers, particularly President Everton Stewart, for what she described as "a job well done", Mrs. Assamba told the gathering that she was a firm believer in community and youth development, adding that "I will do everything in my power to assist these kinds of community efforts."
"It is a unique pleasure to be here to share in this wonderful experience," she said. "You all have done great... you have proved that you can engage in spirited competition ... one which for the most part was devoid of violence and indiscipline. For this you should all be very proud."
Mr. Stewart, in his presidential address, thanked the Minister for her assistance throughout the competition, calling her presence at the awards function a testament to her faith in community development.
Mr. Stewart, while admitting that it took a lot of effort - monetary and otherwise to see the competition through, promised that next year will be even better. He thanked the various sponsors for their contributions, noting that "without you none of this would have been possible".
Rose Hall United, in addition to being the winners of the football competition, were also voted the best dressed team. Other winners were Castle United for the most disciplined team; Martland Bombury, leading goal scorer; Kevin Foster, most valuable player; and Gary Robinson, best goalkeeper. The vote of thanks was given by Lloyd Coore while St. Ann Football Association President Danny Beckford also brought greetings on behalf of the St. Ann FA.
