Across the nation
published:
Saturday | May 17, 2008
Rocky Point fishing village has become a health risk over the last few years. - Photo by Dwight Nelson
Morant Bay braces for hurricane season
MORANT BAY, ST THOMAS:
In anticipation of the usual May rains and the start of the hurricane season in June, the St Thomas Parish Council has begun to rev up its disaster mitigation machinery.
According to secretary/manager of the St Thomas Parish Council, Clinton Gordon, an allocation of $6 million will deal with critical drains in some six divisions.
Preparatory work is expected to commence in Llandewey, Seaforth, White Horses, Trinityville, Yallahs and Morant Bay.
St Thomas has long been recognised as vulnerable to higher-than-average rainfall, oftentimes causing severe damage to the parish's landscape and infrastructure.
- Arthur Green
Elise Barnett is Miss St Mary Festival Queen 2008
PORT MARIA, ST MARY:
St Mary High School student, Elise Barnett, will be representing her parish in the Jamaica Festival Queen Grand Coronation show.
This, after the 18-year-old defeated eight other contestants last Saturday at the Anglican church hall in the parish to cop the coveted title of Miss St Mary Festival Queen 2008.
Following a talent parade, and a swimwear segment, the top five were decided with Barnett, Shauna-Kay Beecher, Chantel Barnett, Sheri-Ann McLean and Latricia Francis avoiding disappointment for the moment.
An interview section was the deciding segment with Francis, a 22-year-old teacher, earning the second runner-up spot along with copping the title for best performance.
First runner-up and Most Culturally Aware went to Sheri-Ann McLean, an 18-year-old student at The Queen's School. Along with victory, Bennett, whose philosophy is: "With God in the lead, success is inevitable", also took the Most Congenial title.
- Nedburn Thaffe
Portlanders face gastro scare
PORT ANTONIO, PORTLAND:
At least 25 persons have been suspected of contracting gastro-enteritis in four communities in Portland's Rio Grande Valley.
The communities affected so far are Moore Town, Comfort Castle, Ginger House, and Millbank.
Elderly persons have been the most affected along with a nine-month-old baby who had to be rushed to the Port Antonio Hospital.
Councillor for the Fellowship division, Margaret Phillips, explained that the number of reported cases of gastro-enteritis has grown significantly over the last few days.
Chief public health inspector for the parish, Caram Ramtulla, said the outbreak of the virus could be as a result of poor hygienic practices.
He noted that water content in the various communities was rigorously tested by medical personnel and no virus was detected.
Ramtulla has also recommended that residents wash hands after using toilets and dispose of garbage properly.
- Gareth Davis Sr
CIDA gives more support for Hurricane Dean victims
MORANT BAY, ST THOMAS:
The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) has again made a major tangible contribution to its Hurricane Dean reconstruction programme with a $2.3-million boost for the Bethel AME Cedar Valley Basic School in St Thomas.
The programme includes replacing the school's roof along with an extension. The reconstruction represents part of Canada's Hurricane Dean disaster response.
The Kiwanis Club of Liguanea was responsible for implementing the reconstruction of the facility in accordance with the Early Childhood Commission (ECC)/Ministry of Education building standards.
Speaking at the service of rededication and appreciation, Canadian High Commissioner, Denis Kingsley said his country was committed to supporting global initiatives in education.
- A.G.
Health department threatens law suit
MORANT BAY, ST THOMAS:
The St Thomas Health Department has served notice of a lawsuit against the National Water Commission (NWC).
According to Charles Lewis, the chief public health inspector for the parish, the situation took this turn after months of trying to get the NWC to correct a health hazard caused by one of its sewerage treatment plants in East Albion.
Lewis, who was speaking at a local board of health meeting in Morant Bay, recently, said the attitude of the NWC had become untenable and action had to be taken.
He said that it was clear to the health department that only by forcing its hand would the NWC be willing to remedy the unhealthy condition brought on by its own negligence.
The NWC is to answer to the charge of illegal disposal of sewage.
When The Gleaner attempted to make contact with the NWC's Michael Dunn, the divisional vice-president at Marescaux Road, he was not in office. Checks for comment from the Waste Water Unit were not successful as the manager, Patrick Daley, was reportedly on leave and his deputy, Craig Rattray, was not available for a response.
