Cuthbert-Flynn lays out big vision for Lawrence Tavern
Published:Wednesday | October 6, 2021 | 12:09 AMJudana Murphy/Gleaner Writer
Second-term member of parliament (MP) for St Andrew West Rural, Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, has outlined expansive improvement plans for the Lawrence Tavern division, focusing on water, roadways, and healthcare infrastructure.
Cuthbert-Flynn, who is the junior health minister, said that the Holness administration had the political will to promote rural development in constituencies like hers.
Sharing that a $789-million water project for Essex Hall has been approved and is in its design phase, she said that she would “finally fix the long-standing water crisis” in Lawrence Tavern, spanning Burnt Shop to Border.
Lawrence Tavern has been selected for the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development’s $600-million initiative to develop five town squares.
Cuthbert-Flynn, who described the square as congested and badly in need of reconfiguration, said work will begin this financial year.
The development plans were disclosed in her presentation to the State of the Constituency Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
A new building will be constructed at the health centre which treats more than 200 patients daily.
The project will be undertaken by the National Health Fund and the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund in the next financial year.
Cuthbert-Flynn reported that the Rocky Valley Computer Centre in Stony Hill was opened earlier this year, through funding from the Tourism Enhancement Fund’s Spruce up Jamaica campaign.
Approximately $4 million was spent to refurbish and outfit the space with 11 computers and a printer, while the Universal Service Fund (USF) provided free Wi-Fi.
Another allocation from the USF, combined with the Constituency Development Fund, will be used to create a community park in Golden Valley, Brandon Hill.
The MP highlighted that she serves one of the largest constituencies, with a wide network of well-travelled roads.
“I face a steep battle, but I am never daunted because over 15 roadways have been completely rehabilitated since 2016. I have the will to battle anything,” she said, citing the Mount Ogle to Lawrence Tavern corridor as a major thoroughfare in need of rehabilitation.
Cuthbert-Flynn said that approximately four farm roads have been completely rehabilitated. Another in Rose Hall, at a cost of $8 million, is about to commence.
The MP noted that one of her greatest challenges is housing assistance, as she receives more than 1,500 requests annually.
Arguing that the funding could only assist 200 people, she appealed for a review of the allocation and for the consideration of affordable housing solutions to be established in the constituency.
Cuthbert-Flynn lauded Prime Minister Andrew Holness for the establishment of the Housing, Opportunity, Production and Employment (HOPE) programme, which has delivered five homes to her constituents.