People's Report: Roberts making a difference in West Central St Andrew

Encompassing such depressed areas as Waterhouse, Tower Hill, Cockburn Gardens, Penwood and Compound, West Central St Andrew has seen its share of neglect.

This is even more pronounced when one considers the fact that Andrew Holness, current leader of the opposition, has been its political representative since 1998.

Well, as the words of the hit song say, times, they are a-changing.

Councillor for the Molynes Gardens division of the constituency and People's National Party caretaker, Patrick Roberts, has quietly gone about effecting improvement in the last two years.

Consider the following :

Education: Distribution of more than 450 sets of five GSAT textbooks to Drews Avenue Primary, Balcombe Drive Primary and Junior High, as well as Apex Prep School.

- Provided 380 sets of 3 CXC books to students at Penwood High School.

- Provided back-to-school vouchers worth $2.2 million.

- Started basic school computer project - at least three computers in each school.

- Refurbished toilets at Drews Avenue Primary.

Roads: Fully resurfacing the following roads - Dewdney, Wint, Laing, Wicket Way and Holt Lane, while partially resurfacing Headley Avenue.

In addition, Roberts staged a very successful health fair recently at the Olympic Gardens Health Centre, where in excess of 2,500 persons received tests for diabetes, high blood pressure, and sexually transmitted infections.

Residents were also assisted by the representative of the Registrar General's Department to register for birth certificates, while the younger generation made use of HEART being on hand to sign them up for the course of their choice.

This is a welcome change. Let's hope this effort continues.

MICHAEL BRADLEY

Kingston 19