Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer

A motorist fights his way through a section of the bad roads plaguing Sherwood, Content in south Trelawny, the hometown of Olympic and world-record holder, Usain Bolt. - Photo by Noel Thompson

WESTERN BUREAU:

Usain Bolt's family and friends are planning a homecoming celebration for his return to Jamaica in September and the community is asking that the roads be fixed and water be piped in ahead of his arrival.

Sherwood Content, south Trelawny is the birthplace of Olympic and world-record holder, 21-year-old Usain Bolt and is also the district where he grew up. Residents told The Gleaner that, for many years, they have been pleading with the former People's National Party government and have also brought their case to Prime Minister Bruce Golding in recent months.

However, to date things remain unchanged.

Now that Bolt has done Jamaica proud, they expect that the Government will act in the swiftest manner.

"I have also learnt that Usain has invited an international beauty queen to visit his country and hometown," remarked returning resident and community spokesperson, Kingsley Titer.

Visitors to the parish

He was referring to recent reports that Bolt, on meeting China's Miss World, invited her to come to Jamaica.

"If that is true, there is no way Usain or his guest should drive on these bad roads leading into his community and, worse yet, there is no running water here."

An elderly woman pleaded with The Gleaner: "Di road and di water, sir, those are our biggest problems and we are begging you to spread the message to the prime minister and the rest of the Government."

Her appeal was supported by a host of other residents.

The Gleaner news team found several chains of bad rocky roadways during visits to the community. Water was also being trucked into the area last Thursday.

"We can't emphasise enough how much we are being inconvenienced by the lack of water and bad roads," said Titer. He said he had discussed the matter with Golding, who had instructed that he take the matter up with Road and Works Minister Mike Henry.

He said he was planning to have a delegation, including Falmouth's Mayor Colin Gager and Usain's father, Wellesley Bolt, accompany him to meet with Minister Henry.

"I am waiting on Mayor Gager to make the appointment so we can move forward," Titer said.

Meanwhile, The Gleaner made several attempts to contact Mayor Gager yesterday but his phone rang without answer. Member of Parliament for the area, Dr Patrick Harris could not be reached for a comment either.

noel.thompson@gleanerjm.com