Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer

A 1989 declaration of friendship between the 'sister cities' of Inglewood in the United States and Port Antonio in Jamaica is in danger of becoming extinct.

Mayor of Port Antonio, Benny White, has admitted that communication has been deteriorating between the two parties for some time now.

No correspondence

He said the Portland Parish Council responded to a commitment letter from the Council of Inglewood shortly after he became mayor in July last year, but no correspondence has been received since.

"We are still awaiting word from Inglewood," said Mayor White. "The declaration of friendship has been a longstanding one, dating back to 1989, which started under the stewardship of our then Mayor, Hezekiah Malloy. Since then, the friendship has blossomed with frequent communications among both parties."

The mayor noted that the two parties have not met since 2004, when a team from the parish council visited Inglewood to hold talks.

He said the council was somewhat concerned as the purpose of the relationship was to enhance friendship and facilitate the development of the sister cities.

It was then Mayor Alston Hunter and councillors Derron Wood and Dexter Rowland, who were among those to last visit Inglewood in November 2004.

During that visit, a commitment was given that the Council of Inglewood would be providing assistance to the people of Port Antonio.

Councillor Hunter is claiming that relations between the two communities broke down after Mayor White assumed the position of council chairman.

Promised medical supplies

"We were promised a container loaded with medical supplies for the Port Antonio Infirmary and the Hospital," Councillor Hunter said. "We also received US$1,000 (about J$67,000) in 2004 to assist with minor repairs to the infirmary, along with other cash incentives. They also expressed an interest in acquiring lands to build an office here in Port Antonio."

Under the declaration, the two cities also agreed to the exchange of education and culture through the involvement of students of different lifestyles and environments.