The paradox of politics
Published:Tuesday | June 22, 2010 | 12:00 AM
The Editor, Sir:
Nestled between Lacovia and Fullerswood, St Elizabeth, there is a quaint farming community called Slipe. Under normal circumstances Slipe is easily accessible from Santa Cruz as well as Black River. This access is an absolute necessity for its residents as there is very little by way of commercial or social infrastructure. Among other things, residents must travel outside of their community to purchase food, visit the doctor, attend school, and gain employment.
However, Slipe suffers from one very severe problem. The road from Slipe to Lacovia is virtually impassable. This is indeed regrettable as this road provides access to Lacovia, Maggotty and Santa Cruz - towns providing essential support to residents of Slipe. Additionally, Santa Cruz and not Black River is really the commercial hub of St Elizabeth.
The road issues
The problem is further exacerbated as the road situation also impedes outsiders getting into Slipe stifling the growth prospects of the community. For someone like me who has close relatives - aunts, uncles and grandparents - living in Slipe, I have to travel an extra 15 or so miles by going through the Fullerswood entrance via Black River and Middle Quarters just for a visit. What this has meant is that I have limited my visits to once or twice per year these days.
But why is the situation like this? Well this is where the paradox of politics comes into play.
Unfortunately, Slipe, is divided into two electoral constituencies. The section of Slipe which includes the road from Fullerswood (which is in good condition) falls under the constituency of SW St Elizabeth currently held by Member of Parliament, Dr Christopher Tufton. This section is occupied by most if not all of the residents. The section which includes the road from Lacovia falls under the constituency of NE St Elizabeth, currently held by Member of Parliament Kern Spencer, and is comprised mainly of farmlands.
One could argue that the responsibility to fix the roads would fall squarely at the feet of Kern Spencer purely on the basis of constituency. However, the truth is that it is Dr Tufton's constituents who are inconvenienced by the situation and really stand to benefit. It is also Dr Tufton (not Spencer) who campaigned in Slipe promising among other things - better roads. Additionally, the Lacovia to Slipe road is a farm road and as fate would have it Dr Tufton is the minister of agriculture.
I, therefore, call upon Dr Tufton to re-examine this situation more carefully. This could be a triple win scenario for him: (1) he would affect people's lives positively, (2) reinforce his political base in Slipe which is critical to the winning of that seat, and (3) further the development of Jamaica's agricultural programme.
I am, etc.,
ANDRENA RAMSAMUGH
MCMAYO