PORTMORE, St. Catherine:
RESIDENTS OF Independence City in Portmore, St. Catherine, say they are hopping mad over the commercialisation of their community.
They voiced their concern at the monthly meeting of the Independence City Citizens Association on Sunday. According to them, Agusta Drive is now like a business zone and motorists are using private gateways for parking.
President of the association, Mrs. Carol McLean, said that the problem has been growing at an alarming rate in recent times, adding that there's need for urgent action.
The association called on the St. Catherine Parish Council and the Ministry of Local Government, Youth and Community Development, to tell the residents whether or not persons are conforming with the laws in establishing their business entities in a residential area.
According to Councillor for the area, Mrs. Joyce Bennett, the matter has been raised several times at meetings of the Parish Council, "but in most cases you are met with opposition from your own colleagues".
She called on residents and community-based organisations, such as citizens associations, to help in dealing with the problem. Recently, irate residents threatened to burn out a vendor who established a large vending stall opposite a petrol station in the Independence City community.
