WE’RE moving into the weekend with another meteorological warning that we could be running into stormy weather. Up to the time of writing, there was no guarantee that it will be so. We are still not absolutely sure that we won’t have to contend with another “crosses”, but it would be stupid to believe that it can’t happen. So let’s keep things in focus.

Will there be a storm this time fi true? Will we have to rush out and spend next week’s family food budget ahead of time — which nobody wants to go through so soon, especially when the cost of extra bills has barely settled?

People were really upset that First of August, when they rushed to spend on extra food purchased to ride out a likely storm, which didn’t bother to trouble us. It was a difficult time, yes, but better late than sorry if we were caught without provision. What if it had really been a storm? We have history recorded to show how deadly storms were in the past and can be in the present. When there was no storm, we said unkind things about the Meteorological Service and others whose reputation and peace of mind barely survived the blame laid on because no storm came. We’ve barely settled that when we’re back again, worrying about another warning which could be nearby.

Talking of worries

The National Works Agency personnel have had a major problem on their hands for some time now, caused by a breakaway on the top end of the Gordon Town Road, an area which is politically identified as “East Rural St Andrew”. The road which is in Gordon Town provides access both in and out, not just for one community alone but for several others, all the way up from the Papine area to several communities in the Blue Mountain foothills. The breakaway which creates problems for motorists, is a matter for serious concern. You’d never believe from how long it has been in that state. There seems to be that, thanks to “divine intervention”, there haven’t been serious mishaps.

The Works Agency assured us that they have not ignored the seriousness of the situation. They’re doing their best to correct it, so it is said. Other sources in another area says promises were even made in political quarters, that the road problem would have been settled before today. Well, many a day has turned into many a night and back to day again yet, and still the broken area remains a traffic hazard. The “fissure” has widened day by day, leaving the community confused and worried. It is not a simple little “bruck weh”. It has grown wider and deeper, making that side of the road dangerous. What is preventing speedy, efficient correction?

People have been extraordinarily co-operative, no doubt in the hope that repairs would come soon. It would certainly make people who have to “small up” themselves on the road feel better. At the best of time, users of that particular road have had to be on their guard, lest they drift over into the danger area of the roadway, which has been broken before, below which is the river, albeit a shadow of its former self but still a source of concern. There is no practical alternate route. Assurance and more assurance has been given but it means nothing if there is no sense of safety.

Some time ago, a strange looking object turned up at the spot, above the river. At a glance, it looked somewhat like a trunk standing on one end. People have been careful when manoeuvring past it but that is still not enough to allay all fears.

What if something really uncontrollable were to break the barriers? Suppose more of the road broke away, plunging down into the river below? With the fears of a possible storm making its way into the area, now, it is adding more concern and weakening the people’s confidence…What if? What if?

I sought not only information but solace from the Works Agency. Whatta gwaan? I was told that their team was doing the best it can to settle the breakaway problem. The team wants to see the matter fixed as much as we. Then the talk turned to cost. Oh yes! The never-ending money story. That calls for meetings and meetings, Government-style. These are not dollar and cents days so the million-dollar path has to be trod, which means going to tender, checking bids, going after the money. Yeah, yeah and the breakaway remains a community problem.

The people want the road properly restored. Officialdom says it will take nuff money which has to come from “Govament” who we are assured will come through in time. Don’t forget also bidding for contracts and discussing them, etc, and so on and so forth and more so on. One day! One day! I was told. So, I’m left to hope. What fall offa head just might drop pon shoulder!

With nothing but a few feet left, barely enough for Jamaica Urban Transit Company buses to squeeze past and other vehicles which ferry east-rural residents uphill and downhill on their daily business, what kind of press release should the community look forward to? I understand fully the “waiting for the money” situation but you mean, there is no power that it can have it stepped up, for the well-being of the communities?

The Gordon Town road is no stranger having to wait till something passes an “exam”. The community all the way up the hill has known what it is to face culvert wash-way, retaining wall give up leaving people to worry, not to forget post-storm rockslides. Has it dawned on anybody that luck mightn’t hold out every day? Somebody! Do something before “something” do somebody, nuh!

Old-time wisdom abounds in rural and semi-rural communities. “Every day bucket go a well, one day bucket bottom will fall out.” Don’t believe it? Ask Granny or any other old-timer who has been living in the hills for nuff-nuff time now. We shouldn’t tempt Fate. Please, fix the Gordon Town Road breakaway. Believe it or not, hillside people pay taxes too.

Motor cycle crash

Coming home from work the other night, we came upon an accident scene which drew ambulance, fire engine and police cars. Wha ‘appen? The remnants of a motorcycle lay on the ground smashed to pieces. We couldn’t bear it so we took another route heading home. The police are burdened to the limit.

As if Montego Bay and its surroundings were not enough loads for the cops to carry, to have to take on motor vehicles too? Where will this all end? Why are some things happening with disaster, almost too much to bear? Who is going to change the culture? Can’t cyclists and motorists see that it is theirs not others who must make the choice by the way they protect their own lives? We really don’t need the waste which is going on.

Trump, yes? Trump, no? Is Etana the only Jamaican who is preparing to Make it Trump? I can hardly wait to find out why. You mean, what is his attraction for some of us? Count me out, thank you please. Not that it matters. They call it Democracy. Don’t it?

Barbara Gloudon is a journalist, playwright and commentator. Send comments to theJamaica Observer.

gloudonb@yahoo.com