Browne holds town hall meeting with West St. George constituents

Believing that parliamentarians should “reflect the people’s agenda,” Minister of National Mobilisation Mike Browne has been holding town hall meetings throughout West St. George to allow his constituents the opportunity to raise issues that are affecting their community.{{more}}

The third in the series of meetings, Browne hosted a meeting on Saturday, May 23rd, for residents of the Arnos Vale and Villa areas.

Despite the relatively poor turnout, several pertinent issues were raised. These included: poor drainage, road repairs, land degradation caused by the river, land encroachment, failure of government to pay for land, theft and other petty crime, illegal dumping, pestilence, road signage, problems caused by drug addicts and vagrants, lack of toilet facilities in certain areas leading to defecation and urination in public places, and the dumping of dead animals in the river.

Along with Eli Francis, Director of Social Development, Browne copiously noted the issues, and assured his constituents that although it will take time, their problems will be addressed because the area is set for major development. Once the Argyle International Airport is complete, the E.T Joshua Airport and surroundings areas will be developed into the country’s newest city, which will cause the price of land to skyrocket. “You’re sitting on a gold mine!”

Browne also reminded his audience that he will not be running for re-election because of health concerns. By the time he vacates his post, he foresees that the issue of road repairs will be resolved. Therefore, river defences/flood prevention will be a pressing topic with his successor.

Francis spoke of a previous project that placed street signs in Arnos Vale and Villa. He expressed his disappointment at the ensuing vandalism that has subsequently afflicted the signs. “It was disappointing to see some of those signs destroyed!” he lamented.

He also spoke of plans to extend the signage system deeper into the West St. George constituency. (JSV)