Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer

Tufton

WESTERN BUREAU:

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) candidate for South West St. Elizabeth, Dr. Christopher Tufton, says he has already created a vision plan for the social and economic development of Black River, if elected to Parliament at the upcoming polls.

"We need to do whatever is necessary to empower our people, and to encourage a culture of independence," Dr. Tufton said at a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of Black River.

"There was a threat to the environment and the natural resources in the town. If corrective steps are not taken, in another 30 years the sea could reclaim its land," he warned.

He also highlighted that a sewage system is needed in the parish capital, as effluent is flowing directly into the sea.

Primary components

Noting that there were issues relating to education, health, security, justice and physical infrastructure, the Opposition senator noted that these were among the primary components critical in creating an enabling environment.

"These are things that all of us who seek to represent the electorate must seek to provide - a vision and leadership towards that end in pursuit of creating a better nation," he said.

"When the variables of the human potential and the physical infrastructural developments are positively being developed, these are the clearest indication that a country is making progress."

Referring to government data indicating that approximately 150,000 people were living in St. Elizabeth, Dr. Tufton said more than 50 per cent of that number were involved in agriculture or related activities.

He said, however, that there was some controversy surrounding Government's statistics that 80,000 people were employed.

He said he believed the figure was higher, taking into account the number of persons who were at the age of employment, but were not actively job-hunting.

noel.thompson@gleanerjm.com