Perspective: Barbican Road Improvement, St. Andrew, Ja.

We support progress, but at what human cost …

As reported in vision newspaper, bulldozers have been demolishing obstacles, walls and light poles to make way for the widening of Barbican Road, St. Andrew, Jamaica W.I.  When completed this road improvement is intended to assist in the smother flow of traffic.  (See two exclusive pictures attached)

On the other hand there is considerable dislocation as livelihoods are destroyed and there is at least one complaint about inadequate compensation.  A senior citizen who for years occupied a board structure in the path of the road widening project has complained to Vision SIC.  “them only give me J$400,000 dollars for my demolished board structure.”  When vision visited the location, workmen were busy salvaging what has been left of the partially demolished antique shop.  Some artifacts could be seen in the rubble.  “The money them give mi cannot rebuild the demolished structure … mi having it hard”  as the senior citizen fought back tears. ” I have been at this location living and doing business for 55 years …”  It was a visibly shaken up if not broken-hearted small businessman who was busy assisting workmen to salvage what he could.   “This is a rainy season and my place is exposed to the elements”  bemoaned the distraught looking man.

This senior citizen who is title-less and has no power … he is therefore at the mercy of the powers at be.   In any case under the Compulsory Acquisition law, no one has to even listen to his plea.  “Mi have no title for this place”  the senior citizen who is just limping by remarked.  We were touched almost to tears.

Will Dr. Peter Phillips, Opposition Leader, PNP,  try to assist this man … this is the way you  walk the walk having had the talk Dr. Phillips.  Let us hear from you without delay.

This small businessman was anxious to get a hearing.   We did not disclose to him that we were from the media.  We probably should have, but we never did.   He gave us a tour of the place he was blocking up  …. replacing the board building with concrete and steel.

There is need for justice for this man.  Are we wrong in our assessment?

Let us hear from you Minister the Hon. Mike Henry, Transport and Works Minister and the Ministry of Works (National Works Agency (NWA).  We know you are sensitive to the suffering of the small man in particular and even Rastafarians.

We hope this small businessman and dislocated senior citizen will be better compensated.  This is our perspective.  What do you think?

We still look forward to the improved roadway as we seek justice for this antique shop owner. He cannot earn in a disruptive environment … he has little cash etc. to start over.  Do help him please!  Let this be your good deed on this Palm Sunday, which happens to be in Lent.