A large crowd descended on the Portmore Pines Plaza on Monday for the Portmore Municipal Council's (PMC) Heroes Day function.

The PMC staff had to rush for chairs in order to seat a record 400-plus persons of the Sunshine City. "This is the biggest crowd ever at a function like this. We prepared seating for 250 persons but that was quickly full; we had to go for extra chairs at the council's office and import chairs from another location, and still there were persons standing," said Denise Anderson, the council's projects assistant.

Eight of the 11 councillors were in attendance. Naggo Head division councillor, Andrew Wheatley, was understandably absent, being the mayor of Spanish Town. Two other councillors were missing.

At the function, 17 individuals and two organisations were honoured in the fields of education, academia, religion, community service and sports

Henrietta A. Davis Wray, a physically challenged woman, took the inaugural Overcomers Award. The Group/Organisation Award went to local cable provider, Oliver's Cable and Electronics and Hands Farm United, a Westchester-based non-profit organisation that gives moral and tangible support to needy people in society.

A number of schools also paid tribute to the seven national heroes who fought for Jam-aica's freedom. Sheff-rine Bullock, formerly of Greater Portmore High, copped the Mayor's Award for her academic exploits.

Mayor of Portmore Keith Hinds was overwhelmed with the support from the public and called on his councillors to work together for the betterment of Portmore. Custos of St Catherine, Rev Sophia Azan, praised the sacrifices and our national heroes and the honourees. "Today, we are honouring our heroes our honourees. You, our honourees, we congratulate and salute you as we recognise your achievements and years of sacrificial leadership. Your unstinting dedication and invaluable contribution have left indelible marks in this strategic point to bring the Portmore community, St Catherine and its environs the rich legacy of your service to God and humanity. God bless you all."

Senator Arthur Williams read Prime Minister Bruce Golding's speech and Colin Fagan, member of parliament (MP) for South East St Catherine, read Leader of the Opposition Portia Simpson Miller's speech. Also in attendance was MP for South St Catherine, Fitz Jackson.

Here is a selected list of the honourees. Community Develop-ment and Outreach - Bobbette Morgan, Therence Gibson, Hector Rowe, Earl Roberts, JP, Wanita Herridge. Education - Christabel McCalla, Carlene McCalla Francis. Religion - Rev Windell Rankin, Bishop Everton Thomas. Sports - Jazeel Murphy, Odean Skeen. Academia - Andre Bascoe and Tamara Treasure.