St. Ann mourns the loss of Former Mayor Renford “Bull” Gentles
(Jan-29-2004)
Former Mayor of St. Ann's Bay Renford "Bull" Gentles, who died on Saturday, January 17 was laid to rest in his native parish on Saturday, January 24. The funeral service took place at the Ocho Rios Baptist Church, and his body was interred in the Ocho Rios Cemetery.
The tourist town of Ocho Rios has lost a hardworking son.
Gentles, who has been described as a champion in the reform of Local Government in Jamaica, won the Ocho Rios Division in the 1986 Local Government Election and was appointed Mayor of St. Ann's Bay that same year. He served as Mayor until 1991 when he was replaced by Wentworth Smith, but continued as a Councillor until 1998 when ill health forced him into retirement.
PNP caretaker for North East St. Ann and Sitting Councillor for the Ocho Rios Division, Carrol Jackson, described the late former Mayor as an ardent community worker, who won the admiration of both JLP and PNP supporters in the constituency. "Mr. Gentles was a genuine and hardworking community leader, who served Ocho Rios and the parish in general with distinction and will be remembered at all times for his invaluable role in maintaining a strong system of Local Governance," Jackson stated.
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