Residents of Riversdale in North East St Catherine, say they are grateful for tomorrow's by-election, as it has brought well-needed attention to their community.

''We don't mind if every month them have a by-election because it bring development to the area. Look here, road a fix, bridge a build and the place busy. Is like a dream," boasted resident Joseph Gilzene during a tour of the community last week.

Gilzene told The Gleaner on Thursday that for the 40 years he has spent in the community, the upcoming event has brought the most work to the area.

Efforts to secure votes

Pointing to the infrastructural work under way in the constituency, officials of the People's National Party on Friday claimed the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) was using state funds in an effort to secure victory.

The accusation has, however, been scoffed at by JLP General Secretary Karl Samuda, who declared the Government would not stop working because of a by-election.

Gilzene and other residents said they and their neighbours were encouraged by the sight of people in the community being able to earn from the development under way in the area.

They stressed, however, that the flurry of activity must be sustained.

Claudia O'Hara, while sipping a cup of mint, accompanied by an egg sandwich, said she wanted to see consistent electricity and water in the community of Crawle, where she resides.

rasbert.turner@gleanerjm.com