Dear Editor,

The leadership of the parish of St James has been criticised for being moribund and lacking innovative ideas to leverage the vast potential that abounds in the region. With the upcoming local government elections, there is hope that a new breed of leaders will emerge.

Local governance plays a crucial role in the effective functioning of communities. Municipal corporations are the backbone of local administrations, responsible for a wide array of essential services and infrastructure. As the municipal elections approach, it is essential to evaluate the performance of these entities and the impact they have on the lives of residents. The St James Municipal Corporation faces several challenges that warrants attention and action.

Municipal elections are not a referendum on the performance of the Jamaica Labour Party-led Administration, and it is not about who is best able to distribute scarce benefits and spoils. It is, however, an indication of how well councillors have carried out their stewardships in keeping with their core responsibilities.

St James councillors have failed miserably with respect to the maintenance of parks and gardens like the Howard Park and the park at the old hospital site. These are public spaces which are essential to the well-being of residents of the parish.

The Charles Gordon Market is lacking in storage, sanitary, and parking facilities. This has not only affected the functionality of the market but has impacted the livelihoods of the vendors and the overall appeal of this necessary public space.

The Jamaica Railway Corporation (JRC) reclaimed the property on which the abattoir was located, leaving butchers to slaughter animals in questionable places. This has raised health and safety concerns as well as questions about the appropriate allocation of resources and support for essential local services.

Additionally, the pound in Montpelier is overgrown with bushes, highlighting the need for better maintenance and attention to crucial infrastructure within the municipality.

St James currently lacks an updated development order and a local sustainable development plan. This absence hampers the ability of the municipality to effectively plan and manage development in a sustainable and coordinated manner, potentially leading to uncoordinated growth and inadequate infrastructure planning.

Street lights were divested to the Jamaica Public Service some time ago, raising questions about the local government’s ability to provide and maintain essential public services.

The infirmary is struggling for space as the land surrounding it has been overrun by squatters. This situation not only affects the provision of essential care to vulnerable individuals but also raises concerns about land management and allocation within the municipality.

Additionally, the drains and gullies continue to be a source of pork-barrel spending, with large amounts of government money being spent on gully cleaning projects in areas they depend on for electoral support, potentially at the expense of more pressing needs in other parts of the municipality.

The Pye River Cemetery remains in a state of abandonment, lacking maintenance and proper supervision. This poses environmental and safety risks and reflects the broader issue of a lack of infrastructure management and upkeep within the municipality.

The upcoming local government elections in the parish of St James is a pivotal moment for ushering in a new era of leadership and commitment to development. It is essential that the incoming leadership embodies innovation, inclusivity, and a strong sense of responsibility for the well-being of the community.

By attracting and engaging progressive-minded citizens and fostering transparency, accountability, and probity, the parish can pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for all its residents.

On a scale of one to 10, how well has your councillor performed?

O Dave Allen

odamaxef@yahoo.com