Prime Minister P.J. Patterson (left) and members of his entourage including Robert Pickersgill (back to camera) and Senior Superintendent of Police Hector Lewis (second left), tour Mandela Highway and Portmore Causeway yesterday. - RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
PRIME MINISTER P.J. Patterson yesterday said investigations are being carried out to examine the circumstances behind the flooding in Nightingale Grove, St. Catherine and Kennedy Grove in Palmers Cross, Clarendon.
These communities were almost entirely covered with water after rains associated with Hurricane Wilma lashed the island for several days.
Mr. Patterson was speaking with members of the press during a tour of the Portmore Causeway and Mandela Highway yesterday. Both these areas were also flooded by the heavy rains, with Mandela Highway still inundated.
Mr. Patterson said the investigations will look at the circumstances under which permission was given to construct houses in Kennedy Grove and Nightingale Grove and the invigilating process that was in place to ensure that the construction conformed to the
conditions for developmental approvals.
CONSEQUENCES WOULD APPLY
The Prime Minister said that if anyone was in breach of duty or delinquent in the performance of their duty, consequences would apply. He said that construction should not have taken place in Clarendon without the approval of the Clarendon Parish Council.
In addition, Mr. Patterson said that the Government was looking at those cases where a state entity is positioned or authorised by law to proceed with construction without prior consultation and approval, noting that this practice is unacceptable.
