Ian Croll, Gleaner Writer

The impending transfer of secretary/manager of the Hanover Parish Council, David Gardner, has incensed Lucea Mayor Lloyd Hill.

Hill argued that the decision - which was made by the Parish Councils Services Commission - could affect the Department of Local Government's 2009 deadline for completing reform of the sector.

"The secretary/manager has been transferred more than one time in less than a year. We have a target of placing the council at a stage for the council to operate on its own without the interference of the minister of local government," Hill said at the recent monthly meeting of the council.

"The secretary/manager has been attending all of these seminars and aims to put us on track for this change. So removing him now will not serve any good," Hill added.

Montague endorsed move

However, state minister in the Department of Local Government, Robert Montague, has endorsed the move, arguing that the redeployment would facilitate the transfer of innovative ideas to other parishes.

But Hill, who is also chairman of the Trelawny Parish Council, said the transfer was, in effect, a punitive reward for good work.

"We may find it difficult to meet the deadline of the reform of local government with the removal of a man who is performing well," the mayor said. "This can't be a sensible and well-thought-through move. The one and two secretary/managers who are not performing should not be the reason for the removing of a man who is performing and has a family."

Hit by family deaths

Gardner's transfer, however, is perhaps the least of his immediate worries, having been hit by two family deaths.

His mother died four weeks ago and his uncle passed away two months ago. His sickly, elderly father is now in his care. The litany of problems could not come at a worse time as Gardner's redeployment takes effect November 3.

Gardner, recipient of a Governor General's Achievement Award in 2005, has left a lasting legacy which has militated against crime. One of his community projects was the Montpelier Football Club. He is also a mentor for at-risk youths in the area, and very often meets and counsels the young men there.

But his role in the transforming of the lives of the disadvantaged and the at-risk youths could be threatened following his transfer.

Gardner, who is also chairman of the Sandy Bay Community Development Committee, says he is fine-tuning plans to establish a sports complex and community centre in Montpelier.

President of the West Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Pastor Glen Samuels, praised Gardner for his positive influence on youths in the parish.

"Montpelier is one of those communities that is experiencing antisocial behaviour among the young men and Mr Gardner has earned the respect and admiration of the youths there and at the same time making a serious dent on the crime problem there.

"He is a positive role model for the young men and has continued to reach out to other youths in the parish," said Samuels.