Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer

Portland:

Storm-ravaged residents of Portland who waited for hours to tour the community of Manchioneal and other areas with Prime Minister Bruce Golding yesterday, were left disappointed as he was not able to visit them as scheduled

From as early as 10 a.m, dozens of residents converged near Compound, in Hector's River, Portland for the expected arrival of the Prime Minister by helicopter.

The hours ticked by and at 3:45 p.m. when a Jamaica Defence Force helicopter landed, it was the Minister without Portfolio in Office of the Prime Minister, James Robertson who alighted from the chopper.

"I have to apologise for the late arrival," he said. "I was never a part of the initial arrangement. However, I have to apologise to the people, who have been here waiting all morning."

Robertson then proceeded to a section of Hector's River, where dozens of residents either suffered total demolition, or lost roofing.

"My observation is that every household was ravaged, and is in dire need of assistance. From an aerial view, I also observed far larger extent of major damage, which has to be addressed speedily," Robertson said.

Robertson also visited sections of Manchioneal, Kensington and other areas in Eastern Portland that were severely affected during the passage of the tropical storm.