Mark Beckford, Staff Reporter

A graffiti-covered People's National Party mural on Old Hope Road. - Nathaniel Stewart/Freelance Photographer

Billboards, posters, party paraphernalia, graffiti slogans and flags have become a feature of Jamaican politics over the years.

But have you ever noticed that these items are mostly seen in lower-income communities - those below Cross Roads?

The Gleaner decided to take a tour of the more affluent communities in upper St. Andrew to see if the same situation existed.

Barbican, East Kings House Road, Kings House Avenue, Hill View Close, Graham Close, Cherry Gardens, Aylsham, Russel Acadia, Norbrook Road, Manor Park and Waterworks were some of the areas toured. The areas mentioned are included in the constituencies of St. Andrew North Central and St. Andrew North Eastern.

Not one political item

Believe it or not, there was not one political item on display; instead we saw a few signs advertising parties and family barbecues. Also on view were lavish houses, well-manicured lawns and iron-cast gates, but still no billboard of the sitting Members of Parliament or their challengers.

Political analyst Kevin O'Brien Chang says the political cultures of different classes will have an impact on where political parties place these billboards.

"One thing that springs to mind is the classes. The better-educated persons focus on issues, while the less-educated persons will focus on personalities."

Mr. Chang also says that individuals from lower-income communities have a stronger attachment to politics, as it may fill a void in their lives.

"To the less privileged, politics means more to them. There is a gap in their lives, and it is more important to them, while the more educated have other things in life to focus on," he continues.

One 'uptown' resident with whom The Gleaner spoke expressed the view that political signs "cheapen" the community's value.

Property value

John, who lives in Widcombe, a community located in upper St. Andrew, says such signs could never be posted in his community, nor would he be putting up any flags in his community.

"In the neighbourhood we watch what will devalue the property. Certain activities, certain things we don't allow in the area as this will decrease property value."

An officer from the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation told The Gleaner that under its regulations, permission for billboards are not given in residential areas as they are not zoned for commercial purposes. The placing of these billboards, therefore, in any residential area, upper or lower, by political parties is in breach of the law.

Not his real name.

mark.beckford@gleanerjm.com