By Nagra Plunkett, Staff ReporterWESTERN BUREAU:
THE MONTEGO Bay Chamber of Commerce has added its voice to the concerns being raised about stray animals, which has become quite a nuisance for motorists using Segment One of the North Coast Highway.
According to businessman Mark Kerr-Jarrett, president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, who was speaking at the Chamber's recent quarterly luncheon, Government should consider amending the Pound Act in a bid to use it to help curtail the problem.
LIFE ON THE HIGHWAY
In describing life on the highway, which has seen quite a few accidents, including at least two fatal ones, on account of the stray animals, Mr. Kerr-Jarrett said it, "looks more like a rodeo gone wild." Over the years, motorists have complained of losing millions of dollars in damages because of accidents involving stray animals. The already bad situation has taken on a new dimension since the highway was opened.
According to some taxi operators, who are among the most frequent users of the highway, the situation is particular problematic at nights. "Boss, only God a save some a wi life pon the road, especially a night time," said a taxi operator, who highlighted areas such Rose Hall, Bogue, Albion and the new highway as the main problem areas. "The Government need fi start shoot them (the animals) an mek we si if the owna dem won't put them up."
The seven kilometres stretch of roadway between Bogue, in St. James, and the Great River Bridge, on the Hanover border, is considered among the most dangerous areas.
