CONSTITUENCY REPORT
Jamaicans went to the polls in February 2016 to elect a new Government and in the process, members of t Parliament (MPs) to represent 63 constituencies across the nation. The MPs were asked by The Gleaner last month to share with the public some of the to
CENTRAL WESTMORELAND is the largest constituency with respect to registered voters and as such it requires great efforts and resources in developing proper i nfrastructure, providing good educational institutions, standard healthcare facilities and a good standard of living for all its constituents. As member of parliament, I have been working ardently in making the aforementioned a reality.
Below is an outline of my major achievements within the different sectors that will assist in paving the way for Central Westmoreland i n becoming a model constituency in Jamaica.
ROAD DEVELOPMENT AND REHABILITATION
1. Ricketts Street, Back Hatfield, Rodney Street, Grange to Glenbrook, Roaring River and Fort Williams to Barham – under the Sugar Transformation Unit.
2. Llandilo Phase 6, Baggy Road ( Waterworks), Sweetness Lane and Pentecost Lane (both in Savanna-la-Mar), Ricketts Street (in progress) – under JEEP/HOPE.
3. Water Lane and Madden Street ( both in Georges Plain), Galloway to Fort Williams – under the Sugar Transformation Unit.
LAND REGULARISATION
1. Thirty-seven land titles were issued in Galloway and Whithorn.
2. More than 300 cer tificates of possession were issued in Morass, Hertford.
SOCIAL AND INFRASTRUCTURAL PROGRAMME
The community of Russia is currently benefiting from an integrated community development programme where $200 million is being spent over five years on developing its social and infrastructural aspects.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS 2016
1. The Central Westmoreland constituency office has issued more than 52 educational grants to students at the tertiary level.
2. The top GSAT awardees from 19 primary and preparatory schools across the constituency were awarded with grants.
3. Approximately 1,000 students were assisted with back-to-school items.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS 2017
1. The Central Westmoreland constituency office has issued more than 57 educational grants to students at the tertiary level.
2. The top GSAT awardees from 19 primary and preparatory schools across the constituency were awarded with grants.
3. Approximately 1,200 students were assisted with back-to-school items.
Library: Newly opened library at the Savanna-la-Mar Primary School.
Resource centre/computer laboratory: was opened at Georges Plain Primary.
New constructed schools: Two early childhood institutions ( ECI) were constructed by Food For The Poor. These were the Whithorn ECI and the Vision Plus ECI in Georges Plain. Three blocks of classrooms were constructed at the Jamaican Foundation for Lifelong Learning.
Educational centre: The Hatfield educational centre has been completed and is to be opened soon. HEART TrustNTA programmes are to be offered there.
HEALTHCARE SERVICES
Wheelchairs: delivered 20 wheelchairs to residents who were in need.
Savanna-la-Mar Health Centre: The dental department is currently being refurbished and expanded.
Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital:
1. The laundry section or block of the hospital is currently being refurbished at a cost of $29 million.
2. In addition, a bio-digester system is being put in place at a cost of more than $100 million.
3. Fencing of the hospital premises.
4. Refurbishing of a procedure room on the paediatric ward was carried out.
TOURISM INITIATIVES
1. Completion of repairs to the Roaring River park.
2. Maintenance of the Frome Workers’ Park.
3. Rehabilitation of Fontabelle site in Frome (in progress).
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
■ The Savanna-la-Mar Fire Station has been fully refurbished.
■ The new municipal corporation building under construction.
EMPLOYMENT – 2017
Approximately 263 constituents have benefited from short-term employment through programmes such as JEEP, CDF, special employment and tourism, among others.
We have confirmed 60 persons for the overseas work programme.
Additionally, 26 constituents have received permanent employment through the Central Westmoreland Direct Employment Programme.
ONGOING PROGRAMMES 2017:
Housing: More than 150 constituents have benefited from our social housing programme.
We have also embarked on a special housing project under which we have completed three houses in the divisions of Petersfield, North Savanna-la-Mar and Cornwall Mountains for needy residents. This will be an annual project under which we will try to complete a housing project within each of the five divisions.
Economic enablement: More than 120 constituents have so far benefited from this programme.
Agriculture: More than 250 constituents have received benefits in the form of animal rearing (poultry, pigs and goats) and crop production.
Welfare: Assistance was given to more than 100 residents in the form of medical and funeral expenses.
COMMUNITY INTERACTIONS
I have successfully held more than 60 community meetings across the constituency in efforts to assess and meet the needs of each community and, by extension, Central Westmoreland. The critical needs of some communities across the constituency have been met while others are works in progress.
ONGOING PROGRAMMES 2015-16:
Housing: More than 100 constituents have benefited from our social housing program.
Economic enablement: More than 120 constituents have so far benefited from this programme.
Agriculture: More than 250 constituents received benefits in the form of animal rearing (poultry, pigs and goats) and crop production.
Welfare: Assistance was given to more than 100 residents in the form of medical and funeral expenses.
EMPLOYMENT 2015-16
Approximately 1,000 constituents have benefited from short-term employment through various programmes including JEEP, the CDF, and tourism, among others.
Additionally, 15 constituents have received permanent employment through the Central Westmoreland Direct Employment Programme.