Contrived chaos in Manor Park
Dear editor,
Each Saturday, as I pass the chaos that has been wreaked upon Manor Park, I am reminded of the uncaring and callousness of some decision-makers.
What I see is the result of the tunnel vision of people with their agendas, which do not necessarily coincide with the advancement of the country or the overall interest of its citizens.
We are witnessing the inequality and rapidly widening gap between the classes of Jamaicans, with the majority being on the side of the disadvantaged.
There is no doubt that quite a few people are reaping enormous wealth through various infrastructure developments that do not take into consideration the interests of those outside their immediate boundaries and the negative impact on them. Concomitantly, the figures will show an increase in people falling below the poverty line and others fast approaching it.
What we should not forget or allow to become a nine-day wonder in Manor Park is that people were driven from a formal market situation with sanitary facilities to congregate in a chaotic, unhygienic, and uncomfortable environment that is not conducive to the proper handling of foodstuff.
Meanwhile, the land from which they were driven lies idle and inaccessible, obviously reserved for some developmental announcement. Hopefully, it would involve some provisions for those previously displaced. However, my best bet is that hope will not be realised and what we will see is development along strictly commercial lines involving a person or small group of people.
The callousness toward a sector is also glaringly on display when you view the announcements of some grand legacy projects by Minister Olivia Grange at a session for specially invited guests.
The fact is, we employ, through elections, people who we erroneously refer to as leaders, when, in fact, they are supposed to be servants of the nation and all its people. Some of these people, intentionally or not, misinterpret their roles and oftentimes place themselves on little pedestals and expect to be paid homage. While you await those undeserved accolades, be wary, enough is enough.