THE EDITOR, Sir:NOW THAT the Government has won the court case brought against them by the Portmore Joint Citizens' Association, it will be moving full speed ahead with the construction of the Highway 2000 and the subsequent demolition of the causeway.
When the highway is completed the alternative route will be the Mandela Highway. One group that all parties seem to be ignoring is the fish vendors and the fishermen and the livelihood they earn from the commuters travelling the causeway.
A highway comes with certain rules. Not stopping on the highway is one such rule.
These fish vendors and fishermen face a dilemma, not only will they not be able to sell their fish along Highway 2000 but the Mandela Highway which is the alternative route will be both inaccessible and inconvenient to these persons. This will inevitably mean the end of a livelihood that in some ways has been a tradition along that corridor.
SMALL BUSINESSES
While development must happen, the small businesses that have been perfected and relied upon by our people must be protected. The Government therefore needs to help these persons relocate or find an alternative occupation. If it means financial or technical assistance it must be done. Several months ago when the developers needed to relocate the fishermen and fish vendors to the other side of the road they gave their full cooperation. Let's hope the Government is willing to show the same kind of goodwill towards them.
I am, etc.,
E. MAITLAND
realflenky@yahoo.com
Mandeville
Via Go-Jamaica
