San Fernando mayor thanks son for opportunity to serve

SAN Fernando mayor Robert Parris says he is grateful to his son Christian for supporting him in his efforts to serve the people of San Fernando.

Parris publicly thanked Christian, 23, at the inaugural San Fernando Freedom Festival at Harris Promenade, San Fernando on August 2.

He recalled that during a procession to the promenade before the start of the festival, Christian held an umbrella over his head as they participated in the procession.

Parris said for the last 15 years, Christian had set his personal needs aside to allow him to serve San Fernando.

He told Christian, "I love you and I thank you for that sacrifice."

Parris said his son knew all the things that made him happy and sad.

He recalled having many ups and downs before he became mayor after last August's local government elections.

Parris has been Pleasantville councillor for the last 20 years.

"Let me remind everyone: if you see a change in San Fernando, it's because I waited and I supported four mayors, and this is my time to serve you."

Junia Regrello, Kenneth Ferguson and Kazim Hosein were three of those mayors. Hosein is now a government senator and Agriculture Minister.

Parris said he has served with integrity in public life.

"I never cheated. I never lied. I waited and I did everything right and I set an example for my 23-year-old son."

Parris described the festival as an aspect of cultural tourism that the San Fernando City Corporation was seeking to promote.

He thanked Tourism, Culture and the Arts Minister Randall Mitchell, Les Efforts East/Cipero councillor Ryaad Hosein, corporation CEO Heather Crawford and other corporation officials for their roles in making the festival a reality.