Montague

Although admitting that the Port Antonio Infirmary in Portland is faced with many challenges, Matron Sharon Burke refused to comment on the verbal onslaught dealt to her by Minister Robert Montague early last week.

The matron, who spoke to The Sunday Gleaner on Friday by telephone, said that she is not authorised to speak to any media house as protocol dictates that permission has to be given by the secretary manager of the Portland Parish Council.

The secretary manager was, however, not available for comment.

On Monday, July 20, the matron was verbally blasted by Montague - the man in charge of local government matters - after responding to a question from the minister as to why the infirmary was heavily infested with flies.

The matron commented that the fly infestation was as a result of the mango season which continues to attract the pesky insects.

Infuriated by the response, Montague barked at the matron and said: "Woman, don't insult my intelligence. I asked you about fly infestation and you come tell me 'bout mango season."

national attention

The verbal onslaught has since attracted national attention, with some persons demanding an immediate apology on the part of the minister.

The infirmary is badly in need of repair. On a tour with Minister Montague last week, The Sunday Gleaner noticed the ageing structure, broken down ceilings, wavering wooden floors, and garbage pile-up.

He has since issued instructions to an officer at the roads and work department at the Portland Parish Council to begin the restoration process at the infirmary. Included in the instruction is that an estimate be done on the dining area, which is now in a state of disrepair, and repair to a section of the roofing.

Montague also issued instructions for workers and able inmates at the infirmary to pursue the likelihood of backyard farming at the facility. The minister is also encouraging the rearing of chickens as a means of becoming self-reliant, which should reduce some amount of spending. The chicks are to be provided to the infirmary by the Rural Agriculture Development Authority.