I would like, through this medium, to bring to public attention and hopefully to the attention of the National Irrigation Commission, the member of Parliament and the parish council, the suffering of the farmers in the West Albion area of Western St Thomas.

We are experiencing a terrible drought which is threatening to destroy the mango crop this year. Normally, we would have been reaping mangoes at this time. The water supply that was available to us in the past no longer obtains. The canals which watered United Fruit Co bananas in earlier times are still there waiting to become full again.

Some years ago, the intake from the river was damaged by one or two hurricanes and the situation has gone unnoticed. We understand that the European Union has granted funding to re-engage the system, but this is taking an inordinately long time to be done. In the meantime, we are watching the mangoes wither and fall off the trees.

In a time when we are being encouraged to be self-sufficient and to protect our food security, we cannot even plant a bed of calalloo; our surroundings look like a desert.

Championing the cause

I am calling on our member of Parliament, James Robertson to come to our rescue and be as active as he was prior to becoming the MP. He was present at every road block in the not-too-distant past, championing the cause, no matter what it was.

Mr Rampir, the chief executive officer of the National Irrigation Commission needs to pay the area a visit.

The problems are so many in this area, that I wonder if we have any representation at all, either at the parish council or parliamentary level.

The road leading from the main to the area and continuing on to Llandewey is in a deplorable condition. Squatting is alive and well in the area.

The trucks hauling aggregate from the Yallahs River are making life unbearable for residents.

We are reaching a boiling point and would welcome some intervention.

I am, etc.,

FRUSTRATED RESIDENT

P.O. Box 2652

Kingston 8