A former mayor dedicated his portrait in City Hall to the Island’s young people yesterday.

Lawson E. Mapp, the Corporation of Hamilton’s second black mayor, said: “This painting that you see today is not really all about me, it is really about what our young Bermudians can do if they stay focused.”

The portrait was done in recognition of Mr. Mapp’s 27 years with the Corporation and the contributions he made during his tenure as mayor.

Mr. Mapp left school at the age of 16 but said he hopes his portrait will symbolise the possibilities available to young people on the Island — even if they hit early stumbling blocks.

“Looking at my portrait, I hope Bermuda’s young people will feel that they can attain anything,” he said.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that some 40 years later I would be a Mayor of the City of Hamilton.

“With hard work and a sense of possibility, all of us have the potential to improve ourselves and give back to our community in a meaningful way.”

Current Mayor Sutherland Maderios referred to Mr. Mapp “the mayor with a smile”.

“Lawson Mapp served the City of Hamilton for many years, first as Councillor, then as Alderman, and finally as a Mayor,” he said.

“His humility, dedication and service have had a lasting impact on our City, and it’s our privilege to honour Lawson today with the unveiling of this fine portrait in City Hall.”

At the unveiling ceremony yesterday he admitted he was pleased with the end result of his portrait, the work of local artist Diana Tetlow.

Ms Tetlow met with the former mayor on five different occasions beginning in February for the portrait.

“The first thing you notice about Lawson Mapp is his smile,” she said.

“He possesses a genuine altruism that is definitely worth trying to preserve.”

Mr. Mapp’s portrait, rendered in oil, can be seen hanging in the historical mayoral portrait collection, along with 22 others at City Hall.