Newly declared caretaker candidate for St James Central Janice Allen, who has questioned why there has been no update on the Montego Bay Revenue Service Centre (MBRSC) which was closed two years ago, has made it clear that she will hold the Government’s feet to the fire over the issue.

“I’m keeping my eyes on this Government like a hawk. You see the tax office down there? It was closed on July 6, two years ago, and they promised us that it would be reopened and refurbished. And up to now, they haven’t said a word to us [about the work being done] but I should be like a [pest] in a John Crow neck. Me and them,” warned Allen.

“You cannot inconvenience the people and expect them to comply. I believe that we must pay our taxes but you cannot make it hard for the people to do their work. You cannot make it hard for people to do what is right. The Government must be answerable to the people and tell us what is going on with that tax office. I hope it is not like some other tax offices that I have been hearing about — like Manchester,” stated Allen.

She was referring to the unoccupied building rented in Manchester for nearly $400 million.

The tax office in St James was temporarily relocated to the FCJ Building at 11-12 Almond Way, Montego Bay, Freeport. At that time, Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) said the temporary relocation was projected to last approximately three years, to facilitate major renovations and upgrades to the existing building.

Allen was addressing a constituency conference held at Cornwall College in St James on Sunday where People’s National Party (PNP) President Mark Golding officially declared her as their standard-bearer for the constituency.

During the event, the constituency honoured former Member of Parliament Lloyd B Smith, who was elected on a PNP ticket in 2011, for his outstanding service. Golding and Allen presented a plaque to Smith.

During her address Allen spoke about what she said was neglect within the constituency, pointing to issues such as poor garbage collection and the inequity smaller players such as craft vendors face in the tourism market.

She also spoke about an unkept promise for the repair of a bridge that serves the communities of Green Pond, Cornwall Courts, and Porto Bello. The bridge broke away on July 2, a day before the passage of Hurricane Beryl.

“They gave us a date and told us that it would be ready in time for September morning. Well, September morning is three weeks away and it doesn’t look like it’s going to be fixed. But what is worse, Comrades, the alternate road that takes you through to Farm Heights is in a deplorable condition. Two days after the executive of this constituency asked me to serve, I went over there, that Saturday morning, and saw where raw sewage was coming out of the road and it stinks. Every day it gets worse and you are supposed to drive through that? So, what happens come September morning?” noted Allen.

During her speech she also called for the Western Children and Adolescent Hospital, which is currently being constructed on the grounds of the Cornwall Regional Hospital in the parish, to be named after former Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller.

Allen said the $5.7-billion, 220-bed, six-storey facility is being built with funds provided by the Chinese Government under an agreement made possible by Simpson Miller.

“I am not afraid and that is why I am not going to stop talking about the fact that that new hospital in [Mount] Salem, which is the gift because of Portia Simpson Miller, must be named after her,” she insisted.

Turning her attention to the next general election, which is constitutionally due next year, Allen confidently promised that St James Central will be in the winning column for the PNP.

The constituency is currently being represented by the Jamaica Labour Party’s Heroy Clarke.

Golding described Allen as a woman of integrity whom he is betting on to make a change.

“We have here in Comrade Janice Allen, a lady of quality. Central St James needs a change from what is there now and we have given you — and she has stepped forward — a lady of quality. A lady of intellect, a lady with a passion for service for the people, a lady with relevant experience over the years that will enable her to serve the people and serve them well,” said Golding.