Taxi operators protest poor road conditions in Gregory Park

 

Tensions flared in sections of Gregory Park, St. Catherine on Wednesday, as taxi operators mounted a protest over the deplorable condition of the roads within the community.

 

Operators say years of neglect have left several roadways riddled with potholes, making it increasingly difficult to operate safely and earn a living. 

 

"As a taxi operator, this is the deplorable state weh wi deh inna every single day. It cost us a lot of money," he complained, citing the need to frequently replace vehicular parts.

 

"When a election time, these men come out consistently, come out fi wi vote... Wah mek we cyaan get no road? We need some road, mon! We need some justice inna Jamaica, mon!" 

 

The taxi operators noted that during rainy conditions, some roads become almost impassable, affecting access for school children, emergency vehicles and businesses within the area. 

 

The operators argued that repeated appeals for road repairs have gone unanswered for years, leaving residents to suffer in silence. 

 

They said they were previously promised a fix by Member of Parliament Alando Terrelonge, however, that did not materialise. 

 

The protest prompted a response from the MP, who commented on the growing concerns, saying the issue has been ongoing for years.

 

"I am supporting the residents in their call for the roads to be fixed, you know, and I am going to indicate that I will continue to make representations on their behalf. And I am begging members of the NWA, from the Minister and his executive team, find the resources, allocate the resources so that we can fix the roads across Portmore, across East Central. Otherwise, there's going to be a major accident, that is going to result in the death of ordinary citizens, ordinary road users, and we do not want that to happen," he appealed.