Do you agree with the popular sentiment that Clark’s Town has been dying since the Long Pond Sugar Estates ceased sugar production in 2017?

Delroy Downer, former cane farmer:

“When Long Pond closed, Clark’s Town got a big lick and it has not recovered. Those in power need to come up with ways to revive the town because it still has good potential. We need to create job opportunities for young people to stop the brain drain. They need to fix the roads because right now, it is one of the biggest turn-offs to people who would want to do business here.”

Lisa Stewart, resident:

“There is a need to bring new business in the community. The old Long Pond Sugar Factory could be used to create new businesses that could attract the young people, as not everyone wants to work in the tourism sector. We need to rebuild the infrastructure of the town – repair the roads, put in a reliable water supply system, and have proper garbage collection.”

Granville Robinson, former sugar sector executive:

“The major problem is the road … . It is in a terrible state and needs to be addressed with some amount of urgency. The garbage collection system is poor. Sometimes three weeks pass without garbage collection. Sewage [overflow] is also an issue in some sections of the community whenever it rains. The town is still reeling from the closure of Long Pond Sugar Factory.”

Anthony Wilson, former sugar worker:

“Clark’s Town is good. Nothing is wrong with it. Clark’s Town good. I heard some people talking about a lot of problems, but I don’t have any problem at all. Mi good, and Clark’s Town good, so I am not going to complain.”

Zelma Ferguson, resident:

“Things are not that good because we are having a lot of problems, including violence. The roads are in a bad state and need repairing. Our water and garbage collection need urgent attention. I seriously doubt that Clark’s Town will ever go back to what it was, but we just have to wait and see.