Spicy Grove leaves the dark ages
Oracabessa town welcomes new road, utilities, await land titles
ORACABESSA, ST MARY — Residents of Spicy Grove in Oracabessa are celebrating major infrastructural upgrades in their community, including new roadways, water and electricity.
The community, of over 60 households, marked a major milestone on Friday, with the official opening of the Spicy Grove road.
Seventy-year-old Lorlene Douglas, a resident who has lived in the area for over 30 years, said she is “over the moon” about the new developments. Recalling the state of the road, better described as a track, Douglas said it was unbearable. With the improvement, the commute is much easier.
“We have everything to make our life easier. Road, light and water — all we are waiting for is our land titles,” Douglas bragged.
Residents explained that they had been living on the lands for years, and tensions arose after the landowner demanded that they relocate. Their political representatives and the Member of Parliament lobbied on their behalf, prompting government intervention. The necessary transactions were completed and residents are now awaiting titles to their properties.
On Friday, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness officially opened the Spicy Grove Infrastructure Works Project, an important step, he said, in improving the lives of residents and formalising the community.
“For years, families here faced uncertainty, with limited access to basic infrastructure. Today, we are delivering roads, water systems, and the foundation for long-term security and growth. This is what development looks like, practical, people-centred, and focused on uplifting every Jamaican community,” Holness shared on his social media.
Councillor for the Oracabessa Division, Ramon “Big House” Henry, said he was pleased with the progress and remains committed to initiatives that improve the “livity and livelihood” of the people he serves.
The formalisation of land tenure is expected to be the final step in the community’s development.
Resident of Spicy Grove, 70-y-o Lorlene Douglas, said the residents now have everything to make life easier Ingrid Henry
