Hagley Gap water project stalls as funds dry up

Christopher Serju, Gleaner Writer

HAGLEY GAP, St Thomas:

THE NAME notwithstanding, the Blue Mountain Project (BMP) has nothing to do with Jamaica's luxury brand of coffee, which derives its name and distinctive flavour from the area in which it is grown.

Incorporated in the United States and registered in Jamaica, the BMP is, instead, a grass-roots non-profit, non-governmental organisation dedicated to partnering with the people of Hagley Gap, St Thomas (where Blue Mountain Coffee thrives), to improve health, education and economy.

One such project in the pipeline is the establishment of a water-distribution network, which would see domestic water sourced directly from the foot of the Blue Mountains and channelled to communities such as Hagley Gap, Penlyne Castle and Minto, among others.

However, despite having done the necessary legwork, including the project design, surveys and route mapping of the pipe network, this ambitious project has been stalled by a shortage of start-up capital - some US$200,000 according to the project manager, Zadie Neufville.

"We are at the stage now where we are ready to implement," she shared with The Gleaner. "We were hoping that we would have been able to break ground this year, but it's looking increasingly difficult. Things get more expensive, we've not been able to tap into any funding, but we are still looking. So right now what we are looking for is a godfather with some deep pockets."

In a community still dependent on rainwater, rivers and streams for water everyday use, the project - which it is estimated will bring relief to some 1,500 households - is well anticipated, and would be a godsend for coffee and vegetable farmers as well.

Welcome service

The fund-raising project now being undertaken by the BMP follows on the establishment of two health centres - Hagley Gap and Penlyne Castle, which are open two days each week and manned by two licensed practical nurses, with a doctor visiting every two months. In addition to providing much-needed health care for an area where deplorable road conditions make access to health care that much more difficult, it also provides welcome experience for the nurses.

For Edith Carson, who along with Carma Messam is tasked with supporting the doctors, the work experience is well appreciated.

"It has helped me a lot really and I have gained more knowledge, seeing stuff that I never learned in school and I am learning more about the medication part," she explained. "So yes, I am a better nurse." In fact, Carson has been inspired to do further studies in pharmacology and geriatric care.

In addition, the BMP operates an after-school project from the Penlyne Castle clinic and a reading room from the Hagley Gap Community Centre for which it is now trying to source material to make furniture.

Meanwhile, anyone interested in supporting the Blue Mountain Project may email pm@bluemountain.org or ed@bluemountain.org or contact Zadie Neufville at (876) 298-3622.

christopher.serju@gleanerjm.com