Jean Anderson, long-standing businesswoman and sister of former Prime Minister Edward Seaga with Calvin Lyn, co-owner of Lyn's Funeral Parlour and former PNP MP at the Manchester Parish Development Committee launch at Kendal Conference Centre on Tuesday. - photos by Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

National Commercial Bank (NCB), Chairman Michael Lee Chin has commended the Manchester Parish Development Committee (MPDC), chaired by Mr. Jackie Minott, for their vision in conceptualising a 20-year plan for their parish. He was guest speaker at the committee's first open forum for its Sustainable Development Plan on Wednesday, September 25 at the Kendal Conference Centre in Manchester.

"Your development plan is phased over the next 20 years," observed Mr. Lee Chin. "It places the management of your growth in the hands of the citizens of Manchester, while acknowledging that for this vision to truly realise its fullest potential, it will require many years, much sacrifice and relentless diligence."

Securing the future

"Make sure you own a piece of the rock," he exhorted the citizens, relating the Harlem experience where the development of that New York city resulted in a real estate boom, pricing property out of the reach of its own residents. He said that this was important to secure the future of their children.

He also observed that Manchester is " perfect for retirement communities", remarking that some 78 million American "baby boomers" are now planning for their retirement and that the parish would be an excellent option for them, as it is well known for its safe and salubrious environment.

The forum featured presentations from various agencies and animated discussions. It was attended by a wide cross-section of officials and residents, led by Dr. Gilbert Allen, Custos of Manchester, and Northern Caribbean University President Dr. Herbert Thompson.

Left: Christiana businessman Ivan Green gets a hearty handshake from Michael Lee Chin, guest speaker at the Manchester 2030 Planning Forum. Mr. Green read the introduction to Lee Chin at the event. Right: John O. Minott, head of Jamaica Standard Products and son of Jackie Minott smiles for the camera. Beside him is member of the Manchester Parish Development Committee, Grace Foster-Reid.

Right: Businessman Tony James (left) and agriculture expert Tony Murray listen keenly to the pre-sentation on water resources in the parish of Manchester.