Dennie Quill, Contributor
IN THE spirit of the festive season, invitations have been arriving on my desk at a terrific pace. Although I am loath to celebrate this year when nearly 1,500 families are mourning their dead, slowly, I am being affected by all the revelry around me. So I have decided to throw my own party. I have a special invitation for the Mayor of our city, Councillor Desmond McKenzie. One of the privileges of writing this column is that I get to say some things publicly.
Apparently, the busy mayor doesn't get a chance to see his city - so I am planning a huge party in New Kingston. The venue will be what was once called St. Lucia Way, I believe, now converted into a car park run by the KSAC. On weekdays, there are two or three ladies collecting parking fees. On weekends, the vagrants take over. Some nights the space is rented to a nearby nightclub.
I believe Saturday night is perfect for my party. Mr. Mayor, please shut your eyes and cover your nose when you get to the corner of St. Lucia Avenue. People who use the area daily have become accustomed to the stench emanating from the abandoned structure, which has been providing a haven for vagrants and petty thieves. This is like a huge garbage dump and it is also a receptacle for human waste. Can't you do something about this building?
As you move into the car park, don't be alarmed if you run into a drug dealer or two. My sources counted seven of them there last week - dealing. Score one for decadence.
You will also see drug addicts, most of them emaciated and filthy; they are likely to approach you for money - "any loose change will do." As you park your car, make sure the alarm is on because these addicts will break into your vehicle in search of goodies like laptop, telephone and money.
TRIPPING OVER DRUG ADDICTS
A few may be gambling; set loose on another, it's an ugly sight. I hear $50 is all it takes to get a cocaine fix. Mr. Mayor, this is what New Kingston has come to; it is almost impossible to walk anywhere without tripping over drug addicts, mendicants and thieves. As far as some people are concerned, Knutsford Boulevard and its environs ought to be deftly avoided.
If you've got even a sprig of imagination, you will understand that my mission in inviting you to visit New Kingston is a more sober one. To be strictly honest, I hope to provoke a response from you to this column. This KSAC-controlled car park is the hub of evil in New Kingston.
From a strictly business standpoint, the KSAC should be thinking of renting this car park to an entity that will have it properly fenced and secured. A major problem exists in New Kingston and the safety concerns have increased despite the presence of a police post on Knutsford Boulevard. As far as one can see when one looks in the direction of that post, one encounters an indifferent police presence. The Burger King store on Knutsford Boulevard is a favourite haunt of some members of the Police Motorised Section and while they savour the sumptuous burgers, not more than a few yards away, drug dealers and addicts are having a field day.
Nothing will change all this until the powers that be decide that enough is enough. Are we going to allow a mere handful of desperate men to bring New Kingston to its knees? Meanwhile the Minister of Tourism is right across the street; perhaps we should invite her to this party too. What do you think, Mr. Mayor?
Dennie Quill is a veteran journalist who may be reached at denniequill@hotmail.com
