The Editor, Sir:

Once again I must re-ignite the flame of representation in regards to the vexed issue of the land tenure for the residents of Egypt in the Little London division, Westmoreland. The long see-saw history speaks volumes of gross negligence and poor representation.

What irk the citizens most, however, are the primitive roads, absence of their own power meters, blocked drains, and the gimmickry of the so-called certificate of possession. The litany of woes lengthens as my research revealed that after almost 20 years of the then Government, now Opposition party, lands have not been transferred from the ancient West Indies Sugar Company Limited to the new government owners, the Sugar Company of Jamaica.

decadent communities

If we continue to build communities without the proper infrastructure, we will only reap the whirlwind of decadent communities which multiplies the woes of socio-economic and ecological disaster, the deepening of rural poverty and the worsening of inner-city woes. It is instructive that the people are not pleading for freeness or handouts; their healthy work ethic makes an emphatic statement of dignity for the coveted happiness index, and the enhancement of social capital.

In my capacity as councillor/ caretaker, I use this medium to appeal for the land tenure problem and the primitive roads, light and drain situations to be addressed.

In all my advocacy for these and other grave matters, our Member of Parliament Wykeham McNeill remains aloof. I urge him to reply and address the Egypt problems with what Prime Minister Bruce Golding has termed 'constructive engagement'.

I am, etc.,

FRANK L. MANBORDE

Councillor/Caretaker

Little London Division

Westmoreland