JAMAICA Observer online readers have reacted with sympathy to the plight of St Thomas couple George and Thyra Ross who have been forced to keep the doors of their Orange Blossom Guest House shut because of a widening landfill that is encroaching on the property. Their situation was highlighted in an article in yesterday's edition of the Observer North East. Here are some edited comments.

Mutty Pekins

I wished the politicians loved Jamaica half as much as this man and his wife.

Garth White

...Welcome to Jamrock, a place where dreams go to die...

jayjayja

This is how Jamaica operates sir, never trust any Jamaican government.

C Brown

Welcome to Jamaica Mrs Ross, land of no accountability, complacent, land of "soon come man", land of laziness, etc, etc.. Sometimes you have to wonder if these people in authority really knows what they're doing. The Government people look so lost and confused, have no clue. Mr Ross thank u for coming back and investing in your country; hope things work out soon. Good luck.

David_Bile

My comments might be a bit insensitive, but why did they choose that location to begin with? Even if the "dump" is "decommissioned" it will be an environment nightmare for decades. I'm sure the proper procedure was not followed to start that waste disposal site and I see problems down the road for not only the adjacent property, but the impact on the water table, gasses being emitted, etc. I hope for the Ross' there isn't any "odour" problem now or in the future.

Keith James

The neglect, disregard, underdevelopment of St Thomas has gone on for too long and it's time that Jamaican citizens who reside in St Thomas get up and do something serious that is similar to the Morant [Bay] Rebellion to send a clear message and stimulate actions in all areas of neglect, underdevelopment that have taken place over the last 30 to 40 years. We live here so let's do something NOW!

Al

So much for investing in Jamaica! Sorry to say, but this is what happens, "bait and switch". No one cares at all. This country is just built on false promises. I came back home, too, to help build my country but after all these years, I am on the verge of leaving and never returning. Hope your situation is cleared up soon so your dreams can be realised and people can get jobs.

jadalink

I was thinking of moving there too but if that is happening to someone who was born there I don't have a prayer.

Denise

The Government needs to do better because these stories have become far too common. Dragging one's feet when positive, hard-working citizens are trying to help the country is plain ridiculous! Thanks to the Ross family for being patient and willing.

Lois Lawrence

Never trust any promises that the Jamaican Government make and I mean any one of them. They never make good on their promises. Don't let them tell you to come invest here cause when there is a problem as this man has it will never get fixed.

AndreaFS

I sympathise with the couple. Question, though... When was the building started? Fifteen years ago, there was a small dump and it seems that it started mushrooming four years ago. The article mentioned something about three years ago but I'm not quite sure if the property was ready to open its doors then or if the couple returned to Jamaica and started the project at that time. I have never thought of PJ Patterson as such a charismatic orator. Wow.

Kimberly Butler-Beckford

Sad

Izett Gordon

This is NOT good. I hope Minister Arscott will address this situation promptly. We should be encouraging this couple, as they have exhibited patience in what is a frustrating experience, to put it mildly.

johnchristian

This is what happens when emotional attachment supercedes practicality. This man has my synpathies... turn the building in a long-term rental property or try and get the Government to buy it from you and head back to Bermuda.

chettigan

While all that is said is true, the taxes that would be collected from the income from his employees when he opens is being missed. I have not seen where small business are been encouraged, only tax, tax and more taxes. How do u grow a country by taxing it?

Concern citizen

Good luck Mr and Mrs Ross. There are certain things that move at a snail pace in Ja, and your case is a typical example of the complacency of this Government. It's the country of EAT A FOOD mentality, and as long as you are not willing to feed some politician or some area leader nothing will be done. Wishing you all the best.