Residents of Hermitage trek along an unpaved road in the area. They claim that other roads in the area have been in need of a facelift for years. - Photos by Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

What's not working?

If you were to judge the roads, you'd think that Hermitage lived up to its name - a remote district with no link to the outside world.

And the residents of the St. Ann hamlet really do feel all alone.

Despite the mediocre patching done in 2006, the surface tells a tale of neglect.

Additionally, they are blasting the authorities for delays in developing a community recreational centre and cemetery on 10 acres of land slated for the project over a decade ago.

Synopsis of situation

Hermitage is trying to be as self-reliant as it can, but a history of state neglect has doomed it to horrible roads and stagnated plans for serious community development.

Melvelin Dunn, president of the Hermitage Citizens' Association, said she is convinced that the St. Ann's Bay Parish Council has forgotten about the community.

Dunn noted that she has spoken with the parish council on several occasions, in some cases with representatives from the roads and works department, regarding roads in Hermitage. However, real improvement is yet to be seen.

The association president added that residents oftentimes patch some of the potholes themselves, and taxi operators either refuse to do battle with holes or charge extra to do so.

Dunn also highlighted what she said was the main issue on the table for most residents: the 10 acres of land slated for the development of a community recreational centre and a community cemetery. Claiming this was among the early plans of the decades-old community, Dunn said the parish council keeps giving her the runaround and serving up a platter of empty promises that work on the project will soon begin. And 'soon' just hasn't arrived.

On a separate note, the residents are expressing the desire to have potable water in the community. Currently, they survive on rain-water collected in catchments, and should there be a dry spell, they would have to purchase the commodity at sometimes expensive rates. So to the National Water Commission, please assist the residents of Hermitage.

Who's responsible?

The citizens' association president maintains that the St. Ann's Bay Parish Council is responsible for both the upkeep of their roads and the development of the community lands.

Several attempts to have this confirmed by the parish council were unsuccessful. Messages were also left for the mayor and the roads and works superintendent.

What's the status?

Uncertain, still stuck in limbo.

Conclusion:

The residents of Hermitage, which has an estimated population of 200, believe their crisis has been ignored.

Nonetheless, they are still citizens deserving of the full privileges and comforts many other communities enjoy.

We speak so often about govern-ment agencies shirking their responsibilities. The long and short of the matter is this: If you won't do the job, then leave, but do not frustrate citizens with your inefficiency.

- Written by Marlon Vickerman

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Tell us about problems in your community. We will visit and help to lobby for action. Write to: Tyrone Reid, the Gleaner Company Ltd., P.O. Box 40, Kingston; Fax: 922-6223, Telephone: 922-3400 Ext. 6364 or Email: tyrone.reid@gleanerjm.com.

This dirt track is actually Campbell Avenue, which runs through a section of Hermitage, in St. Ann.

Melvelin Dunn (right), president of the Hermitage Citizens' Association, points to a section of the 10 acres of land earmarked for the construction of a community centre and cemetery. Other than empty promises, she says the parish council is yet to kick-start the developments.