DARLISTON, Westmoreland — In a barb seemingly aimed at the Opposition, minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Everald Warmington has declared that Westmoreland is no longer a neglected parish.

“It is neglected no more. This is why the Government is showing this much interest in the people of Westmoreland to ensure that they have good infrastructure,” declared Warmington as he broke ground on Thursday for rehabilitation of the Whithorn to Darliston road in the parish.

The project has a price tag of more than $200 million and Warmington promised that he would be back in eight months to cut the ribbon.

“When I am through, there will be no concern about bad roads in this parish,” Warmington promised.

Last May frustrated residents blocked the Whithorn to Darliston main road to press the authorities to address the poor road conditions. The blockade, which stretched for miles and took three days to clear, displaced scores of commuters.

A once stronghold of the ruling People’s National Party, voters in all three constituencies in Westmoreland voted in favour of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party in the last general election, contributing significantly to its win. The parish is seen, by both sides, as a must-win when voters next go to the polls. All three Members of Parliament in the parish were in attendance at Thursday’s ground-breaking ceremony: Westmoreland Eastern’s Daniel Lawrence, Central’s George Wright (who is now an independent) and Western’s Morland Wilson. They were joined by councillor caretaker Godfrey Walters who is hoping to win the Darliston Division for the JLP.

Non-political representatives present included National Works Agency Communications Manager Stephen Shaw; its western regional manager, Robert Francis; and contractor for Morris Hill Ltd, Kelvin Hill.

Warmington said the scope of project will include debushing of embankments, cleaning of existing drains, installation of ripraps as a way to minimise erosion, erection of retaining walls, removal of soft spots and paving.

The project, he said, will be executed in two parts: Whithorn to Highgate and from Highgate to Darliston. The entire corridor is approximately 12 kilometres in length.

“We are working on the roads, water and all of the infrastructure to improve the lives of the people of Westmoreland,” the minister said.

In welcoming the commitment, Lawrence said it is a good day for Westmoreland Eastern.

“The road has been neglected for over 30 years. Now we are on our way to a total rehabilitation. Three quarter of my constituency use this road. The people are elated, the people are joyful to see that something will be done at last,” he said.

“The Government is really working with the people of Westmoreland, we are not neglected,” Lawrence added.