St Thomas is often referred to as the 'forgotten parish', this due to its lack of national prominence (save, of course, for Paul Bogle and rumours of obeah workings).
And based on the main story in yesterday's STAR there is a certain administrative amnesia, as a mile-long stretch on the Roselle main road in the parish which broke away in part during last year's Hurricane Dean is yet to be repaired.
Dangerous plunge
This has led to at least three cars taking a plunge off the road, as was reported in the story, and while there have not yet been any fatalities, it does not make the situation any less grave.
We note that the National Works Agency has said close to half a billion dollars is required to address the situation and funding is being pursued. However, we find it hard to believe that absolutely nothing can be done to make the area safer in the very long interim.
Perfect road surface
On the other hand, a trip to the western end of the island via the north or south coast routes gives a vastly different picture of Jamaica's highways. We know that a large part of this largely excellent road network is the toll road and specially constructed highway. Still, it is difficult to reconcile miles upon miles of
perfect road surface with the inability to correct a potentially fatal situation along a mere mile of highway in one parish.
We do hope that this is not a case of the parish being
neglected and trust that the authorities will take some remedial action before the situation on the Roselle main road in St Thomas gets even more grave, in more than one way.
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