MONTEGO BAY, St James — People’s National Party (PNP) standard-bearer for St James Central Senator Janice Allen has promised to address water and land ownership issues if elected to serve as the constituency’s Member of Parliament (MP) in the next general election.

“Water is life and we must ensure that we invest in the water infrastructure in this place. In Rose Heights, there are four reservoir tanks that have been decommissioned and if there was a good MP, at least one would have been replaced over the last four years — one per year,” she stated.

The comments came during a spot meeting in the community, Tuesday afternoon, as Allen continued to drum up support for her campaign. She will attempt to wrest the seat from second-term MP Heroy Clarke who was elected on a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) ticket in 2016 and 2020 and also serves as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“When I become your Member of Parliament, these reservoir tanks will come back into commission,” Allen told Comrades.

She said there have been complaints from residents of a number of surrounding communities.

“From Top Road to Chiney Shop, to Green Tank to round by Pastor King, the people of Rose Heights deserve water,” said Allen.

“If it is the last thing that I do, the people of Rose Heights shall get water; so too the people of Farm Heights, the people of Cornwall Courts, the people of Salt Spring including Meggie Top and Flower Hill. Water shall be my priority because you deserve a better life than what you have now,” she continued.

Allen blasted the current MP for what she said is his failure to get water to residents.

“I noticed that every time I talk about water, that is only the time that such man has anything to say. The water situation over the past few months is absolutely deplorable, unacceptable and cannot be left as is,” she declared.

She also used the opportunity to tell residents of the PNP’s plans to boost land ownership.

“The People’s National Party settled people right here in Rose Heights — just like we settled people in Green Pond and in Salt Spring. And when we come to power, you shall get your titles under the People’s National Party,” Allen promised.

“We believe in land and we believe that the people in this country deserve land,” she added.

During a walk-though of the area earlier in the day, Allen had been accompanied by PNP President Mark Golding and other members of the party. Among the areas visited was Montego Bay Fishing Village and Harbour Street Craft Market. They also engaged with artisans in the city.

“When we pass through the Agate Street, the Hart Street and Barracks Road and we see the talented carpenters, upholsterers, the carvers who need the facilities so that their businesses can thrive, we are committed to making it better for you,” Allen stated.

“We must reinvest in our city and create greater opportunities for the people of this city. That is why our party leader is here because he understands the importance of the city of Montego Bay, the economic viability is important,” she told supporters.

People’s National Party (PNP) standard-bearer for St James Central Senator Janice Allen and PNP President Mark Golding interact with residents of Salt Spring during a tour of the community on Tuesday.