Karen Sudu, Gleaner Writer

KENT VILLAGE, St Catherine:

Residents of Kent Village, St Catherine, say they are on high alert as Tropical Storm Sandy nears the island.

When The Gleaner visited the community yesterday, although there were few persons battening down or engaging in any activities indicating that they were taking precautionary measures, they said they were ready to deal with the effects of Sandy.

"The only problem we have round here is some people house might leak, and if the river come down, hard water might go inna one or two house," Phillips, a vendor, said.

"But we nuh really have much problem, only money fi buy food we worry bout," added Phillips, who is listed among the noted divers in the Bog Walk Gorge.

Kent Village is located in the banks of the Rio Cobre. Its residents are often locked in whenever the authorities closed the gate leading to the Bog Walk Gorge, to prevent vehicles accessing the Flat Bridge.

Paulette James-Brown, a Red Cross volunteer, told The Gleaner that she is ready to extend a helping hand to anyone in the community who might experience difficulties.

rural@gleanerjm.com