Dear Editor,

The community of Portmore was started in the late 1960s but 51 years later, notwithstanding the number of houses and other developments that have taken place, we are still referred to as a dormitory community, still lacking a hospital and struggling to get around using a road network that has seen better days.

Our water supply system is falling behind the rapid growth of the local population, and the inefficient sewage disposal system has given rise to obnoxious odours and a mosquito problem that has everyone dancing to their stings.

Although we have been able to elect our mayors directly and to manage our own affairs to some extent, there are still a number of state agencies that control the development of Portmore. At times our local municipal council seems powerless and only rubber-stamps projects with no real long-term benefits to the community.

Our major roads are the responsibility of the National Works Agency but with their appalling condition, our current mayor bought into the JDIP programme. However, to date no one is sure which road(s) will be repaired and when the repairs will begin.

The toll road that surrounds our community must be utilised to induce economic growth and not just the collection of tolls. This was never the intention. It could not have been a coincidence that Portmore is just a road away from the heavy-duty industrial belt in the Three Miles Area that usually houses such entities as West Indies Glass, CMP, Serv-Wel and others. It must have been part of a bigger plan that we have allowed to go to waste.

Last but not least, the educational level of Portmore residents must be channelled to lead national growth.

I am therefore appealing to the powers that be not to allow Portmore to continue on its current path.

Howard Hamilton

Portmore Pines, St Catherine

How_hamil@yahoo.com