Junction roadway cleared after power protest
Published:Tuesday | July 23, 2024 | 12:09 AMGareth Davis Sr/Gleaner Writer
Junction, St Mary:
The Junction main road in St Mary, which was the centre of a massive 10-mile roadblock mounted by irate residents protesting the absence of electrical power, was cleared yesterday afternoon by firefighters with assistance from volunteers.
On Monday, some residents, angered by the delay in the restoration of electricity to several areas including Devon Pen, Toms River, Friendship Gap, and Broadgate by the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) following the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 3, cut down trees and used metallic objects and other debris to block the main road at strategic locations.
Dr Norman Dunn, member of parliament for South East St Mary, told The Gleaner yesterday that the entire stretch of roadway from Grande Hole to Broadgate was cleared about 1 p.m. by emergency crews who, he said, worked tirelessly for most of the morning, right up to midday to provide access to vehicular traffic and pedestrians.
“The roadblocks have been cleared and from all indications, vehicular traffic is proceeding smoothly, despite the lengthy delay,” said Dunn.
“It is said that who feels it knows, and I can only imagine the challenges faced by residents along that corridor, who have to contend with the hot conditions and the mosquitoes. JPS has promised to continue its restoration efforts. They are in the area working and my understanding is that they will not leave the area until power is restored. They are making every effort to bring back electricity to this area and other areas across Jamaica,” Dunn added.
Some residents, who spoke with The Gleaner, stated that the wait for the return of electrical power was unbearable and that they decided to block the main thoroughfare to not only voice their frustration, but to also get an assurance as to when the restoration work will be completed for power to be returned to the area.
“Dis nah work out and a more than 18 days since current gone and wi a suffer. Some a we have to walk long distance to buy ice to store our insulin, because we diabetic, but by di time we reach home di ice melt,” complained one resident, who gave his name as Dennis Smith.
He added, “Mosquito a kill we and di heat meck it even worse. Di poor likkle children dem toss and turn all night and it is very frustrating for us as residents. We caan manage anymore and we waan light now. We a pay fi a service and most a we live along di main road. JPS a clear main road and wi still caan get light after almost three weeks. Now everybody a suffer because nutting caan pass, but di good affi suffer wid di bad.”
On Monday, vehicular traffic, which was brought to halt, extended for miles. Additionally, several persons, who had emergency appointments at hospital, the United States Embassy in Kingston, and at financial institutions, were left stranded as a result of the prolonged roadblock.
“Mi suppose to go to KPH (Kingston Public Hospital) for treatment and medication and now mi caan go, because a di roadblock. I don’t know what will happen tomorrow, because this was a scheduled appointment. It really rough pon mi dis yah morning yah,” said a man who would only identify himself as Marcus.
A woman, who spoke briefly with The Gleaner on Monday, who appeared to be in an angry mood, said her scheduled appointment at the US Embassy had been delayed as a result of the protest action by residents.
The roadblock also disrupted commerce, which resulted in dozens of employees reporting late for work at their places of employment.