Buchanan wants better roads in Westmoreland

Scott's Cove, Westmoreland:

Despite Jamaica having been spared a major hurricane this season, one member of parliament is hoping that the bad weather does not only stay away but also for improvements to roadways in his constituency.

Luther Buchanan, who represents Eastern Westmoreland, has lamented what he calls the poor state of the Scott's Cove to Ferris road in his constituency.

"Persons who use the roadway are greatly inconvenienced because of the deplorable roads there," Buchanan told The Gleaner.

He said he has written to Works Minister Mike Henry requesting that rehabilitation work be done there.

Last month, residents blocked the roadway protesting the state of the road. Buchanan said he had brought the matter to Henry's attention and urged the residents to exercise restraint.

Contract signed for Bigwoods Basic School

Bigwoods, St Elizabeth:

A contract valued at $27 million was signed last week between the Hounslow/Bigwoods Basic School Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), in St Elizabeth, and the Jamaica Social Investment Fund, for the construction of a basic school in the community.

At the ceremony at the Epiphany Anglican Church, Bigwoods, PTA Chairman Donovan Williamson told the gathering that, despite many setbacks in getting funding for the project, and after several name changes for the group, children in and around the community will, in a short while, benefit from their efforts.

"We used several initiatives to advance our wish to improve the condition in which these children have to learn. We were steadfast for this cause, and today I hail the other members who supported this process. With vision, willpower and a sense of purpose, we can achieve," he said.

Community development officer with the Social Development Commission (SDC), Natalie Bradford-Remekie, said the project demonstrated how much the work of the commission relies on community groups. The SDC assisted with the project proposal and in the formation of the PTA.

Campaign against leptospirosis in St Mary

The St Mary Health Department is carrying out a public education drive aimed at reducing the incidence of leptospirosis in the parish.

Health educator for the St Mary Health Department, Riquel Barclay, said the programme involves the distribution of information flyers and the staging of health education sessions on prevention measures.

He said that a 'Health Belief Model' is being employed, which focuses on the attitudes and beliefs of individuals in disease prevention.

Residents are urged to employ good hygiene practices and proper garbage disposal habits in the home and wider community.

The education sessions began in Port Maria last Wednesday, continued at Highgate yesterday and will also take place in Oracabessa today; Castleton tomorrow; Islington next Tuesday and Jeffery Town next Thursday.

Barclay informed that the St Mary Health Department will also be implementing a rat-baiting programme in Port Maria and Annotto Bay to strengthen the drive.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease that is endemic worldwide with a higher incidence in tropical countries.

Humans may be infected through direct contact with urine or fluid of infected animals or through contact with contaminated water or soil.

- JIS