The Editor, Sir:

With regard to the messy condition created in Port Maria because of the flooding, one can only be thankful there were no lives lost.

However, the situation, which many believe was preventable, calls attention not only to the outright neglect of the parish in general, but the inadequate development of rural infra-structure, among other things, which illuminates symptoms of a arger problem.

Continuing decline

For example, over the years those of us who are familiar with the parish have seen the decline in the ability to travel easily between a number of connecting points because of bad roads. Problems connected to infrastructural development are also responsible for the deterioration of living con-ditions in a number of places.

Consequently, fewer industries provide work since the death of the banana industry; and of course, what follows: dying communities.

St. Mary is now ranked among the poorest parishes.

Port Maria that in a past life was quite vibrant and dynamic has lost most of its institutions as the capital.

Among them, Port Maria Hospital which once provided some level of care that was acceptable. That now has been downsized to a clinic. Patients needing emergency care in most instances have to 'trek' to St. Ann or Annotto Bay, miles away.

What is most amazing is that the people of St. Mary are mostly well read, have a passion for politics and are voters.

We are usually not the stay home type on election day, yet we are always 'left' out there by both parties - JLP/PNP alike.

The amount of resources that come into the parish continues to be inadequate, so a large percentage of the population wants to move to Kingston where they think the jobs are.

Leverage their votes

I am pleased that the Prime Minister visited the parish, and has made a commitment to help those affected by the flooding.

But this might be the time for voters in St. Mary to leverage their votes. Redress may only come through using what political capital they have to save St. Mary, as it fights to become and remain a part of modern Jamaica.

Loyalty to a party or MP is about bringing home the 'bacon'. You the people, must agitate for your share!!

I am, etc.

VERNAL SMITH

Bacowall@aol.com

New York City