Devon Evans, Gleaner Writer

Left: Oswest Senior-Smith, PNP candidate. Right: The JLP's Shahine Robinson.

The constituency of North East St. Ann is best known for being the home of the world famous Dunn's River Falls, strategically located in almost the centre of the constituency.

Other places of interest include Dolphin Cove and the resort town of Ocho Rios. The chief town is the parish capital, St. Ann's Bay, and there are several outlying districts such as Priory, Steer Town, Chalky Hill and Beechers Town.

The main source of income for residents comes from the tourist industry, both directly and indirectly, while a fair amount of farming is done in parts of the constituency such as Seville, Windsor, Lime Hall and Higgin Town.

Despite the growth of tourism, including having the number one cruise ship port of call, the constituency has failed to keep pace with the need for both employment and housing and several squatter settlements have subsequently been established.

Housing for tourism workers and low income workers is seen as a priority.

While the roads in the coastal towns are in good condition, there are some in the interior which are in urgent need of repair. Some areas such as Beecher Town suffer from a chronic water problem, so too does Higgin Town. The constituency also suffers from poor drain maintenance and a serious garbage collection problem.

This constituency was created in 1959 and in its 48 years the people have gone to the poll no less than 12 times to elect aMember of Parliament. Of the 12, the PNP has won nine to the JLP's three. For the coming elections, the JLP's Shahine Robinson is up against the PNP's Oswest Senior-Smith.

Many residents are upset over the inability of the authorities to control traffic congestion in Ocho Rios and St. Ann's Bay. One pointed out that despite the increased presence of the police in both towns, motorists are still not willing to use the transport centres and continue to create problems, particularly for pedestrians.