ST ANN, Jamaica— People’s National Party (PNP) caretaker for St Ann South West, Danishka Williams says residents of Douglas Castle remain in distress as a critical bridge in their community continues to be in a state of disrepair months after the issue was raised.

In a statement on Friday, Williams said the hole created by the breakaway of the bridge poses a serious threat to the lives and safety of residents, including children, the elderly, and drivers.

She alleges that despite calls for updates, there has been no word from the sitting Member of Parliament or the Ministry of Works regarding a timeline for repairs or even interim safety measures.

“I toured the area in February and saw the danger this broken bridge posed to the people of Douglas Castle. I documented it on video and publicly asked for an update. We are now in May, three months later, and nothing has changed. This is a clear indication that the Member of Parliament and this government is not serious about the safety and the business of the Jamaican citizens,” Williams said.

Williams said residents have complained about incidents of individuals falling into the gap where the bridge once stood, further emphasising the urgency of the matter.

Williams said she is now calling on the Member of Parliament for the area to immediately provide a public update on the status of the bridge, a timeline for repair, and the emergency measures that will be taken to ensure no more lives are endangered.