THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AM pleased to have read a report that a new bridge is to be constructed in Yallahs, St Thomas. For several years, as a St Thomas news correspondent, I sought to highlight the need for bridges in that part of the world. Yet there is much more to be done in St. Thomas if we are to avoid woe every time the skies become dark.
The Johnson River bridge, which separates Serge Island from Seaforth, is in such state that I would not be surprised if it collapses. There have been plans to carry out repairs and a possible reconstruction for years, but absolutely nothing has happened. It seems disaster must happen first.
Take a look at the Llandewey bridge, probably built before my great-grandmother was born. It is another death trap waiting to happen. But with the work to be done in Yallahs, one can only assume that the Llandewey bridge will get some attention as that should be the alternative route.
Many bridges have been destroyed during heavy rains in St Thomas over the years: to name a few, one near the New Monkland community, and the other at Serge Island. Those temporary board-based bridges have become permanent structures despite years of reports that their replacement would arrive in the island or that they have arrived but are still not where they are to be located.
Then take look at the erosion of the roadway at Roselle by the sea; pure talk, as the erosion continues under the road surface. The problem is that the erosion is not visible to those who drive on the surface above, I have looked below and it is frightening.
While I am somehow relieved that some attention is being paid to the Yallahs bridge, what has happened to the idea of rebuilding the Bath Police Station demolished during Hurricane Gilbert in 1988.
The rented two-bedroom house that is now being used as the Bath Police Station is not conducive to police work, be it the security of the officers or prisoners.
The Golden Grove Post Office which was demolished, is another reminder of how lethargic and ill-prepared we are in addressing critical concerns. Will it ever be rebuilt? The poor and aged are the ones who concern me most, especially when delivery of mail to homes is not a reality in that neck of the woods.
I am, etc.,
DEON P. GREEN
greenyranks@yahoo.com
Harlesden, London
Via Go-Jamaica
