St James to Westmoreland roadway blocked by protestors
HANOVER, Jamaica – A section of the main road between St James and Westmoreland in the vicinity of Chester Castle in Hanover and Mackfield in Westmoreland is currently blocked by residents who are protesting about poor road conditions in the area.
The roadway is the main gateway between the city of Montego Bay to St James Southern, Hanover Eastern, Westmoreland and St Elizabeth.
The demonstration started as early as 4:30 Monday morning by residents mainly in Hanover who were later joined by passenger bus and taxi operators.
The peaceful protestors used trees, old vehicles, appliances, debris and other items to block the roadway leaving students, tourists and people heading to work stranded.
The protestors say they will not burn tyres on the road as they do not want to make the situation with the road worse.
One of the protestors who gave his name as Cedrick said the police and the military are on location trying to clear the road but are having challenges as the residents are adamant that they will continue their actions until they get answers.
A bus operator who plies the route Montenegro Bay to Mackfield who gave his name as Ricky argued that while the area between Mackfield and Ferris Cross is in a good condition, “from Mackfield to Montego Bay is in a deplorable condition. It can’t get worse.”
Ricky said he spent more than $40,000 to repair front-end parts and undertake alignment to his bus in September but one month later, he was back at square one.
The Councillor Caretaker for the Chester Castle division (PNP) Wynter McIntosh and the MP aspirant for Hanover Eastern (PNP), Craig Oates are on location.
McIntosh said it is hurtful to know that Hanover is one of the leading tax compliant parish yet it is not getting value for their tax dollars.