News

Christopher Thomas, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

First Street in Albion, Montego Bay, has been renamed Lloyd Young Drive in honour of noted philanthropist, entrepreneur and fitness instructor Lloyd Young.

The new street sign was unveiled in a special ceremony near the Lloyd Young Health Studio and the Brenda Stratford Medical Centre in Albion on Wednesday.

The renaming exercise was the result of a motion made by Councillor Homer Davis and approved by the St James Parish Council during its monthly meeting held on September 11, 2008.

The motion came out of recommendations from the council's Civic and Community Affairs Committee that First Street be renamed to mark Young's lifetime achievements, and contributions to the development of Montego Bay and Jamaica, in general.

"I know it's a proud moment this morning for Mr Young and his family, for this occasion in which we want to show him our appreciation as a city and a country for his contribution to nation and community building," Cecil Davis, deputy mayor of Montego Bay, said at the ceremony.

"What a fine example he has set for us to emulate. If one man can achieve so much, can you imagine what many men could do?"

Now 90, Young was born in Montego Bay on August 19, 1920. He was appointed justice of the peace for the Second City in 1968; was bestowed the Order of Distinction in 1982; and awarded the key to the City of Montego Bay in 1983.

He was also involved in the growth and development of the St James Hospice, and has been influential in the development of the local AIDS clinic, the St James Street People Programme, and the Committee for the Upliftment of the Mentally Ill.

Icon in St James

Custos of St James, Ewen Corrodus, lauded Young as an icon of health awareness and promotion in St James.

"It is fitting to note that Mr Young is not one of those leaders who asks us to do what he says, but not what he does," said Corrodus.

"He has been a true role model, mentor and benefactor to many."

Young said he considered it an honour for the street to be named after him.

"Having truly dedicated a great portion of my life to helping my fellow man, even while living and doing business from my property on this street for many, many years, this honour is even more meaningful to me," he said.

"Truth be told, I'm no stranger to national and international honours ... . I must say, however, that the naming of this street in my honour today is the sweetest of the sweet. Thanks to you all for being here today."

christopher.thomas@gleanerjm.com

CAPTION: Lloyd Young (second right) and his wife, Marlene, unveil a new street sign at the former First Street in Albion, Montego Bay, on Wednesday. Looking on are Cecil Davis (left), deputy mayor of Montego Bay, and Ewen Corrodus, custos of St James. - Photo by Christopher Thomas