GPS is a cluster of satellites that orbit the earth twice per day transmitting precise time and position information as it relates to latitude, longitude and altitude. With a GPS receiver the user can determine certain locations and is now a common tool used by companies and governments around the world in a variety of applications such as tracking their fleet of vehicles. It has also become an integral safety item for hikers and hunters as well as military forces.

The presentation was made by the Manchester Parish Development Committee (PDC) and will be used by the Council in a number of areas such as to identify houses in flood proned areas during emergencies. It will also be applied in the granting of building permits. The unit will also help in identifying terrains not suitable for building purposes when an application is made to the Council, and will also be used to develop up-to-date maps of the parish.

In presenting the unit, vice-chairman of the PDC, Damion Bird, said they saw a need for such a system by the Parish and with the help of the Canadian Government was able to secure one. He said he hoped the Council would make full use of the unit to enhance its productivity.

Deputy Mayor of Mandeville, Brenda Ramsay, who accepted the unit on behalf of the Parish Council, expressed gratitude to Mr. Bird and the PDC for their foresight and the work they have been doing over the past two years to formulate an orderly development plan for the parish.

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