By Rasbert Turner, Gleaner WriterSPANISH TOWN, St. Catherine:
DISORDER REIGNED at the Spanish Town Post Office last Friday when hundreds of welfare beneficiaries descended there to collect money allocated to them under the PATH programme.
The police had to be called in to bring order to the situation.
When The Gleaner arrived at the post office, some 300 persons, mostly young people, were seen pressed into the cramped premises of the post office, sweating profusely.
Persons attempting to do regular business at the post office were forced to turn away.
"I am disgruntled at this system. I came to buy stamps to do my business and I am prevented by this desperate set of people," said resident Angella Morrison.
According to the Postmistress, Mrs. Lee Blake, the crowd's unruly behaviour forced her to seek the police's assistance.
"The other persons dealing with other business could not get inside, the people were even tearing off the various posters, we had to fan their faces. My (rubbing) alcohol is somewhere in the crowd as a result of persons passing out."
The PATH programme has replaced the food stamp programme. Beneficiaries with children get $600 to help purchase books and other needed items.
