Mark Beckford, Staff Reporter

Left: Dr. Omar Davies - fileRight: Dennis Messias - Photo by JLP

An eyesore would be an appropriate word to describe some of the conditions that exist in the community of South St. Andrew.

The Gleaner toured the constituency recently and the sights in the area spoke to some neglect.

Derelict buildings, zinc fences and overgrown shrubbery stick out in the constituency which encompasses communities such as Arnett Gardens, Craig Town, Jones Town and Trench Town.

Another scene which stuck out was the presence of many young women and men roaming the streets at 1:00 and 2:00 p.m., standard work times in the country.

Jobs needed

The constituency, which is listed as one of the garrisons in Jamaica, is currently experiencing peace and for that to continue, some residents believetheir next Member of Parliament should provide job opportunities.

One resident of Craig Town spoke at length about this.

"We want some work around here, the people want some work. A nuff man and woman have dem skill, have dem certificate and dem can't get no work." The resident is also suggesting the establishment of an agricultural programme in the community.

"A nuff empty lot de bout the place, weh can farm up an t'ing."

Other residents also called for the establishment of more educational facilities, a child-monitoring programme and a parental programme.

"A lot of people are calling for work and they are not marketable. At the same time, the kids are on the streets and are not going to school, and the parents are not ensuring this," commented an elderly resident.

Counselling programme

Residents are also asking for a counselling programme to help members of the community who may have developed a negative outlook on life because of their circumstances.

With Trench Town being the former home of reggae superstar Bob Marley, one of the proprietors of Culture Yard, located in Trench Town, is asking for more support from government and its agencies to preserve the legacy of the yard.

"We a get a fight, nobody nuh business ''bout we. We would like some help from JTB (Jamaica Tourist Board) to fix up the place. "

According to financial website Forbes.com, Bob Marley's earnings last year stood at US$7 million ($476 million).

With the huge appeal of Bob Marley, he believes the area's next political representative can do more to bring investment to the venture. "A bare Japanese and foreigner come here you nuh, so dem can do more fi the t'ing and help we."

In summary, residents of the constituency have many expectations. Hopefully after the general election either the People's National Party's Omar Davies, or the Jamaica Labour Party's Dennis Messias can deliver.