Some residents of Christ Church West say they were hoping to see issues with roads, housing and the environment addressed as the country heads into the next General Election in a little more than two weeks.
The riding is being contested by Barbados Labour Party incumbent Dr William Duguid, who will be challenged by the Democratic Labour Party’s Andrew Cave.
In Ventnor Land, Louis Yarde pointed out several things he hoped would get the attention of the successful candidate.
“We want to see this area cleaned up and made into a park. Government needs to get serious with these people who own these properties and let them run to bush, like they said they would. One night, a man wearing a hoodie come out of that bush, and I had no idea who he was,” he said.
In addition, Yarde said there was a man in the area living in a dilapidated structure without a toilet. He said the man placed his water into the garbage bin, much to the annoyance and disgust of sanitation workers. Yarde said: “We really would like to get help for him.”
Other issues include the lack of a sidewalk in the area, the need for a proper footpath in a muddy section of land, the lack of a community centre near the Rockley basketball court, the deteriorating condition of Golf Club Road, and a health concern about a woman raising chickens in her backyard.
In Evelyn’s Terrace, residents pointed out issues with a derelict vehicle, overgrown trees and an unsatisfactory garbage collection service.
“We no longer get a garbage truck through here, so every man jack has to wheel their cans to the top road. The reason is due to these trees in the corner, but the person who’s leasing the land won’t get them cut, and when we complained, he get on like a black hat, so I done with that.
“Another thing is that I would like to see is that car at the top that partially blocking the path to get move. Somebody like they push it there and leave it with one wheel off, so now only one car can get by there at a time,” one resident said.
Along Forde’s Road, Dennis Freeman said there was a need for better employment opportunities for the youth to “keep them off the road”, while another man, who was not identified, said he wanted help with his home.
“All now I would like my roof to get fixed. It was damaged during [ Hurricane] Tomas, and all now it still ain’t get do. My mother is who really dealing with that, but I really want to see something happen,” he said.
Also along Forde’s Road, Stanley Forde said, while he did not rally follow politics, he would like to see the road get paved.
Jamon Edwards lives along a cul-de-sac off Forde’s Road. He said the bushy area near the top of the gap needed to be made into a park. He also wanted to see the government homes there refurbished.
Craig Chandler lives along a different cul-de-sac off Forde’s Road. He had nothing but praise for Duguid.
“Dr William Duguid is doing a wonderful job, and I am looking forward to see him win again. He’s look out for we so we looking out for him. He get natural gas for me, and during the lockdown (during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020), he made sure we survived. Plus, at Christmas, he gets little things for the children.”
Chandler said there were still issues with roads, but he was confident that would be dealt with.
“The roads could do with a little fixing, but everything does take time. Some people will say it’s taking too long, but one day at a time,” he said. (CA)
