JAMAICA – The Junction main road in St Mary is now impassable after irate residents chopped down trees and used them to block the thoroughfare in protest of the lack of electricity.

The residents say electricity was disrupted during the passage of hurricane Beryl on July 3, and the situation has been compounded by extremely humid conditions and mosquitoes. The police say the residents took to the street from as early as 4 a.m. Monday, in what they theorise is a planned protest. The residents chopped down trees and dumped old refrigerators and other forms of debris at strategic locations along the Junction main road to voice their frustration.

Member of Parliament (MP) for South East St Mary, Dr Norman Dunn, who spoke to The Gleaner, pointed out that the alternative route is now through Grande Hole to Scotts Hall and up to Richmond, leading through Highgate then down to the Westmoreland bridge. The MP stated that it is a very frustrating period for residents living along that corridor who have been without power for about 18 days, and he is appealing for the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) to step up its restoration efforts.(Jamaicagleaner)…[+]