Louie Culture pleads for water in Portland

As Portland struggles through a prolonged period of drought, veteran reggae-dancehall entertainer Louie Culture, who resides in the parish, is pleading with local officials that more needs to be done to provide residents with running water, or find a solution for the lack of supply.

"Them need fi do something sensible. The Government needs to do something that can help Portland people, because every time is a drought; every year we have to deal with the same issues," Louie Culture told THE STAR.

The Gangalee star said that he is one of the Portland natives who has resorted to purchasing water.

"Portland have more rain than any other parish, [so] we shouldn't be short of water; and it look bad to live in the land of wood and water and people in dire need of water. Right now, is buy me buy water enuh; and it is expensive to haffi ah buy water every time, but we have to survive."

He expressed deep concern for fellow residents, especially those with children who may not be able to afford the expense. Earlier this week, residents blocked main roads in protest. Louie Culture said this even hampered him from getting to the studio. He explained that the roadblocks are "people just fighting for them rights".

The entertainer lived in Kingston for many years in the earlier stages of his career, but he returned to his place of birth to take care of his parents. Louie Culture farms in his leisure time and is dependent on constant water supply for some crops.

"I never planned to stay in town, but [I did] because of the music. When me realise say my parents were getting old, my sisters and brothers would have all migrated to the States, and I never want them left in the care of people, I move back to Portland. My mother was diabetic, and nobody could stop her from eat what she wanted and loved. She died in October 2013, almost 10 years ago, and my father in 2017," he said.

Louie Culture said that while he could make a song to make the world aware of the taxing conditions, including the roadworks, the increase in dust and the need for help, he is not motivated to.

"The people nah play dem song deh, dem like hear controversial things," he said. "I love Portland, and me coulda write a song about all this wha gwaan here, but I'm making the plea here, hoping that the message gets to the right people."