Dear Editor,

I am left to wonder why Jamaicans pay taxes when not even basic infrastructure is provided to citizens — dark and horrible roads, irregular garbage collection, fear because of high crime, and not to mention health care. Why do we vote?

I could go on and on, but today I want to bring your attention to roads in Avon Park and Monticelo, just above Angels in Spanish Town. I had to visit there on the weekend and wondered if these people have political representatives in that section of St Catherine North Central.

The roads in these areas could not even be classified as farm roads. Made worst by the rain, driving cannot be faster than five km/hr as vehicles rock from side to side while motorists try to decide which part of the road is best to drive on. Craters filled with water make negotiating these roads even more difficult as you are not sure how deep they are.

Residents of the areas who do not drive are not spared the agony. I saw a young couple going to church on Saturday and wondered how they managed to get to church without getting their shoes and garments soiled.

Over to you Member of Parliament, councillor, the St Catherine Municipal Corporation, and Ministry of Local Government.

I am sure you are well aware of the challenges faced by your people, but this is no way for them to live.

Peter Brown

St Catherine