Marlene McPherson, Gleaner Writer
Some residents say MP James Robertson has limited resources. - NORMAN GRINDLEY/DEPUTY CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
RESIDENTS IN the Western St. Thomas constituency are complaining about the twin problems of poor drainage and flooding.
"The roads are deplorable in Cedar Valley and (Hurricane) Ivan has made it worse. In Mount Lebanus and Trinityville there is no sign of money being spent there. We have not felt the presence of the Member of Parliament," one woman said.
"Water is needed in the community of Pampheret and this issue is not being addressed," said one resident.
Residents in St. Thomas want to see substantial projects undertaken in their communities. "Our main problem is flooding. We want the river training to be done because the Johnson River is a threat to life and property. The Johnson River bridge is also in a deplorable condition," a man commented.
He said that residents had contacted the National Water Commission, Transport and Works Robert Pickersgill and Dr. Fenton Ferguson, Junior Minister in the ministry.
MEETING WITH MPs
"The last thing we had done was to write a letter to Mr. Robertson to arrange a meeting so that both Members of Parliament can come up with a solution, but to date nothing has been done," he added. "Money is spent but where, how are we to encourage people to stay in the rural areas? People in these areas will move out."
An executive member of the citizens' association told The Gleaner that "... a good work of drain cleaning was done by the mini park in Seaforth."
ROBERTSON'S LIMITATIONS
Other persons, although critical of the lack of developmental projects in the constituency, said they were aware of the constraints of the MP.
"Two weeks ago he came to our community association meeting, then toured the area and addressed us," one said. "He told us that he had to speak in Parliament concerning the threat of the Yallahs River (ford). He pointed out that any project that is to take place regarding the ford, money has to be allocated."
With the hurricane season at hand everyone is concerned about safety. Another resident in Yallahs said, "He (Mr. Robertson) does a lot of talking but his resources are limited. To be frank, though, nothing is done. The need for a fire truck in Yallahs is to be addressed. The one in Morant Bay is done and the only truck in Yallahs is transferred to that area. The other day a fire took place in Llandewey and by the time the truck reach there, everything was destroyed."
One project that was done in the constituency from the Social and Economic Support Programme was the Christmas work.
Secretary/manager of the St. Thomas Parish Council, Clinton Gordon, said that the council received $558,400 and this was used between December 16 and 21, 2004 to pay workers to clear hanging branches and bushes, among other activities.
Names withheld on request.
