More Protests: 'No animal no live in Dunbeholden', says angry resident

Disgruntled residents from the Dunbeholden community in St Catherine have taken to the streets to protest poor road conditions in the surrounding areas. 

Among them was Shelly-Ann Barnes, a resident of Gilbert Lane who says they are being treated like animals. 

"No animal no live in Dunbeholden, and no human being [can] continue to live in these conditions. We have to carry two pairs of shoes when we go out of the community to change. Repairs to the road [are] long overdue," she Told the STAR.

The Gilbert Lane area, which connects two gated communities, is represented by Fitz Jackson, the Member of Parliament (MP) for South St Catherine.

In a conversation with The STAR, Jackson revealed that he had submitted requests for the road to be included in the constituency development fund for rehabilitation. However, the National Works Agency (NWA) has been slow in progressing the project, leaving both residents and the MP frustrated.

"There is a strong belief that because the constituency does not support the governing party, the people are being victimised," Jackson said. 

"I am beginning to believe this narrative because I have seen where anything to benefit the people in St Catherine South, there is always a challenge," he added.

As the protests continue, residents hope that their voices will finally be heard, and the road's rehabilitation will no longer be delayed, improving their daily lives and mobility.

Repeated calls to NWA communication manager Stephen Shaw to get a reaction have proven unsuccessful.

- Ruddy Mathison 

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