When the legislation was passed that allowed Portmore to elect its own mayor, many people, including me, were quite happy. In fact, I thought that it was a welcome move to assist in the management of the affairs of the municipality.

Since the election of two mayors, however, Portmore is yet to benefit from the leadership at the local government level that reflects its status as a municipality. Mayor George Lee served his term, but failed to deliver to the people. He was replaced by Keith Hinds, but things have remained the same.

While there are many issues that require the mayor's urgent attention, I wish to mention two.

First, the condition of the Municipal Boulevard (popularly called 'The I-95') leaves a lot to be desired. Most of this road is lined with overgrown trees which give the impression that it is situated in a remote rural area. I cannot recall any serious efforts being made to clear these overgrown trees from the sidewalks of the road. Mr Mayor, you should be ashamed of the condition of this roadway.

Clear the sidewalks

I am, therefore, using this medium to suggest to the mayor that he engage the services of the National Solid Waste Management Authority to clear the sidewalks of these trees. When this happens and the roadway is properly maintained then we can be proud of the name Municipal Boulevard.

The second issue is the need to expand some of the major road intersections in Portmore to facilitate better management of the traffic. It is more than obvious that the intersection close to the '100-man police station' has to be expanded. What needs to happen is the creation of a second left lane from the Country Club Housing Development to the traffic light. This would simply allow traffic turning left on to the Municipal Boulevard to do so without obstruction, thereby, reducing the traffic. This shortcoming has contributed significantly to the traffic build-up in Portmore.

Another intersection that needs expansion is that on Municipal Boulevard that leads to Cumberland. The lanes on entering and leaving Washington Boulevard to the stoplight at Gregory Park, Portmore Parkway, Cumberland intersection need to be expanded to allow two lanes of traffic access.

There is generally traffic congestion in the mornings and evenings when motorists are entering and leaving the boulevard.

I am, etc.,

CONCERNED CITIZEN

OF PORTMORE

Caribbean Estates

St Catherine