MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Councillor Karl Smith (People’s National Party, Knockpatrick division) has hit back at criticism leveled against him by Member of Parliament for Manchester Central Rhoda Crawford over the state of parochial roads in the Knockpatrick division.

Crawford, a member of the governing Jamaica Labour Party, had chided the Manchester Municipal Corporation and councillors for what she said is their inadequate response to repair parochial roads.

Her comments came two days after placard-bearing residents of Brokenhurst protested over the bad condition of the main road there and the Patrick Town community road.

Crawford criticised Smith claiming he was not aware of the borders of the Knockpatrick division and said the majority of Brokenhurst is in Manchester Southern.

READ: Crawford chides councillors amid bad road fuss

However, Councillor Smith said he is fully aware of the boundaries of the Knockpatrick division.

“I have taken note of the comments made by MP Crawford regarding the state of parish council roads in the Knockpatrick division. While I welcome any genuine concern about the condition of our roads, I must respectfully clarify a few points. Firstly, the challenges facing many of the parish council roads in the Knockpatrick division did not develop within the last two years. The deterioration of these roads has been the result of longstanding issues, including years of underfunding, weather impact, and increased usage and to suggest otherwise would not present a fair or accurate picture to the residents we serve,”Smith said in a statement on Thursday.

“Secondly, I am fully aware of the outlay and boundaries of the Knockpatrick Division. As councillor, I take my responsibility to understand and represent every district within the division very seriously. Since being elected, and despite operating with limited resources, I have successfully overseen repairs and rehabilitation works on over twenty roads across the division. These improvements were achieved through careful prioritisation, advocacy, and collaboration with the relevant authorities,” he added.

He is calling for a bipartisan approach to road repairs.

“I remain committed to engaging the Honourable Desmond McKenzie, the Ministry of Local Government, and all stakeholders to secure additional funding to address the remaining infrastructure challenges. Road rehabilitation is not a partisan issue; it is a development issue that affects families, farmers, students, and businesses alike,” said Smith.

“It is unfortunate that the discussion has taken a tone that appears more aligned with tribal politics than with constructive collaboration. Our constituents deserve representation that rises above political point-scoring and focuses instead on practical solutions and measurable progress. My focus remains clear to continue improving the Knockpatrick division in a transparent, responsible, and results driven manner for the benefit of all residents,” he added.

— Kasey Williams