The Editor, Sir:

St Thomas is classified as an under-developed parish and could be in the top five of the poorest parishes in Jamaica. The construction of the recently built Yallahs bridge is a relief to motorists and pedestrians, who ply this route on a daily basis or even occasionally.

Whenever there is a hurricane, storm or even when it rains heavily, the corridor between Morant Bay and Harbour View becomes impassable, due to flood water and sea surges, which damage the road surface. During the passage of Hurricane Dennis a section of the Roselle main road collapsed. This had to be filled with sand, gravel and stones so that motorists and pedestrians could access the thoroughfare.

Other sections of the roadway along the corridor are being undermined by the sea water. There is a 'double ford' by Eleven Miles which becomes impassable whenever it rains heavily. Lives have been lost at this location in attempts to cross the flooded fords. Bull Bay is another flood-prone area, with numerous problems.

Investors shy away from the parish, part of the reason being the poor condition of the roadways whenever it rains heavily. The previous government built Highway 2000. It is now time we move from the familiarity of the St Thomas roads and venture into the unknown.

I am, etc.,

ROY CRUICKSHANK

Port Morant PO

St Thomas