Severe Landslides in South East St Mary Prompt Urgent Call for Action from PNP Candidate Christopher Brown
St. Mary, Jamaica. October 31, 2024: Christopher Brown, People’s National Party (PNP) parliamentary candidate for South East St Mary, voiced deep concerns as recent heavy rains triggered severe landslides across the constituency. The resulting road blockages have disrupted numerous communities, with the Broadgate main road rendered impassable, forcing vehicles to divert to alternative routes and causing major traffic delays on the key route between Kingston and St Mary.
Brown expressed frustration over the lack of timely road maintenance under the current member of parliament. “It’s unfortunate that only now, in an election cycle, plans are announced to repair roads that have long been in deplorable condition. For years, residents have voiced their distress to no avail, and now they are being asked to be patient,” Brown stated. “These residents deserve better.”
He highlighted that while Broadgate has gained recent media attention, several other communities—including Rosemount, Brainerd, Long Road, Camberwell, Georges Hope, Epsom, Belfield Line, Tinsbury, Lunafield, Mount Vernon, and Luna—also suffer from poor road conditions that have only worsened over time.
“These rains have further disrupted lives and livelihoods,” Brown continued. “Some communities have been at a standstill for years due to the poor state of the roads, and residents face rising transportation costs as vehicle operators contend with increased maintenance expenses. Immediate and comprehensive action is crucial to prevent further harm.”
The PNP calls on local authorities to prioritise road repairs to ensure resident safety amid the worsening weather. Brown reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for urgent infrastructure improvements, noting, “We cannot allow communities to suffer while their needs are addressed only during election cycles. The current Member of Parliament has completed a full term in this seat, and we are now at year five. This neglect is simply unfair to the taxpaying citizens of South East St Mary.”
