Portmore Website Newsletter July 28, 2006 Editor: Kennedy Reid Subscribers: 328 e-mail: webmaster@portmore.org Web site: http://www.portmore.org Phone: 876-320-7343 Dear readers... let's have a moment of silence for the passing of our "National Mother" Miss Lou! ... ... May her soul rest in peace and we, her children, "walk good!" Newest Items on the Portmore Website... Portmore Week 2006 Highway 2000 opens in Portmore Greater Portmore - Awards Function Labour Day 2006 ==================================================== The quality of water - Caren Morrison ==================================================== Date: Fri, 14 Jul 2006 09:07:47 -0700 (PDT) From: "Caren Morrison" To: webmaster@portmore.org Hi Kennedy, My concern is the quality of water that comes through our taps. The water is extremely black and cannot be used at all. What is being done about this? I have to be using approximately 6 of the 5gallon bottled water per week(due to the size of my family) and this is very expensive. So I end up paying two seperate water bills. Garbage collection is attrocious in 1 North. Can anything be done about it? Weeks pass and garbage is not collected. As to the toll, I think it is a very big rip off. I belief is, we already have $20 coins, set the toll at this price and everyone will drive on it making numerous trips without even batting an eyelid. Mass usage will bring about desired profits. Living in portmore is becoming very expensive and to think the community was developed with the view in mind for low income earners. Portmore is in trouble only God can help us. Regards, Caren ================= Webmaster's Reply ================ Hi Caren! How is one of my favourite families! Now, about the water.... what a expense on you guys! Some time ago the GPJC investigated the matter and came up with the conclusion that the Manganese in the water (the black substance) was naturally occurring and resulted from the settlement of the water after a water cut. It is supposed to be harmless. Anyway we need to look into the matter more. If you discover a problem do bring it to the Authorities and the public. Later Caren! ================================== The Most costly road in Jamaica! - Camilo Thame (Observer) ================================== http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/Business/html/ 20060708T020000-0500_108741_OBS_LESS_ROAD__MORE_COST_.asp Less road, more cost $6.6-b price tag for Portmore leg By Camilo Thame Sunday, July 09, 2006 The seven kilometre Portmore leg of Highway 2000 will end up costing US$100 million ($6.5 billion) making it one of the most expensive stretches of roadways ever built in Jamaica. The cost of this leg - a six-lane roadway that links the dormitory community to Marcus Garvey Drive in Kingston - will take the cost spent on the Highway 2000 project to date, to US$300 million ($19 billion). Transport Minister Robert Pickersgill outlines the toll charges for the Portmore leg of Highway 2000 at a press conference at his ministry in Kingston on Friday. [section deleted] The 33-kilometre section of Highway 2000 that runs from Kingston to Sandy Bay in Clarendon and the Portmore leg, represent nearly three quarters of the US$390 million that had been projected for the entire project. Roughly half, or another 39 kilometres of roadway is yet to be built - from Sandy Bay to Williamsfield in Machester. The engineers said that the Portmore leg was particularly expensive because of soft land formation, and the six-lane bridge. "It is like building in porridge," is how TransJamaican Highway (TJH) managing director, Trevor Jackson, characterised the challanges that faced the engineers. The added work and cost associated with "soil improvement" included the transporting of 2.2 million tonnes of marl to buffer the land, and the erection of 26 piles, driven 40 metres deep to secure the bridge. Part of the US$100 million included the resurfacing of the 6.5 kilometre Dyke Road that leads from Portmore to Mandela Highway. [section deleted] With the overall cost to date, by Jackson's estimation, running between "US$250 million and US$300 million. closer to US$300 million", it means that the 33 kilometre stretch from Mandela Highway in Kingston to Sandy Bay in Clarendon, cost between $150 million and US$200 million, or between US$4.5 million ($295 million) and US$6 million ($390 million) per kilometre. In contrast, the Danish firm, E Pihl and Sons was, at the beginning of 2006, awarded the contract to construct the 119-kilometre segment of the North Coast Highway from Ocho Rios to Port Antonio, for $5.7 billion. That highway is about three lanes wide, or half as wide as Highway 2000, so the comparative cost per kilometre would be around US$1.5 million ($97 million) or three to four times cheaper than the Portmore leg. The North Coast Highway - the 287-kilometre stretch from Negril to Port Antonio is currently running 100 per cent above budget. The estimated final cost is $20.7 billion (US$318 million). According to Jackson, the government has "switched priority to find a viable solution for a route (Highway 2000) to Ocho Rios rather than going to Williamsfield". The government is currently in negotiations with Venezuela to secure a US$300-million loan at preferential rates to finance the Ocho Rios leg - some 78 kilometres long. The finance cost is said to be a major factor in the overall cost of the project. "The construction cost for this section of Highway 2000 (Portmore) is US$100 million with an average interest cost of US$12 million (12 per cent) or J$780 million per year," said transport minister Bobby Pickersgill at a press conference held on Friday at the transport ministry in Kingston. "J$2.1 million per day - and that is just to pay interest." Ivan Anderson, an executive of NROCC, the agency that oversees the road construction on behalf of the government, told Sunday Finance that the project was financed in part by the US$107 million raised from a bond, issued years ago through NROCC, and TJH, which was responsible for 72.5 per cent of the financing. This combined, he said, resulted in a 12 per cent cost of funds. That money is expected to be recovered substantially by the toll. The Portmore toll is: . Between $60 for motor cars, and $200 each way for trucks and commercial vehicles; . Portmore residents will pay between $40 and $50 each way, depending on how often they use the roadway; . Others will pay $60 each way. TJH estimates that 28,000 vehicles (or 14,000 each way) will use the toll road each day, or 70 per cent of the 40,000 passages that are estimated to cross the causeway each day. This is higher than the 11,000 vehicles per day at the Vineyards toll plaza, along the Kingston to Sandy Bay stretch, and the 6,500 at Spanish Town. Jackson said that light vehicles (class 1) make up 92 per cent of the total traffic, and Pickersgill told the press that over 80 per cent of the causeway users, utilise the route more than 10 times a week. This means that TJH stands to earn on average, $50 per vehicle each way, or about $1.4 million per day (using the 28,000 daily passage average). If these numbers hold, the toll will yield $510 million each year, which is significantly less than the US$12 million that Pickersgill claims is the annual finance cost. Furthermore, several weeks ago, Pickersgill, while arguing against Portmore residents' request for a $30 toll, noted that it would cost the government $600 million to subsidise the shortfall. He was making reference to the difference between the toll fare cap of $79 per class 1 vehicle and the $30. Pickersgill did not point to any cost to government through subsidises, but Jackson told Sunday Finance that "there is an element of subsidisation," although he said that the terms were being finalised. ======================== WEBMASTER'S CONTRIBUTION ======================== We thank Camilo for this article! The Portmore people expected to pay for the road! I suppose the authorities have stopped telling the statistics on the toll as it only served as a "weapon" for others? Unconfirmed data... There are about 300,000 vehicles in Jamaica and about 30,000 in Portmore. 80% of these regularly use the Causeway and 20% the Mandela. Currently about 80 executive buses have re-routed through the toll booth as they have seen cuts in cost and time and an increase in fares to deal with the toll. They spend about $15,000 each week on toll. Each private vehicle will spend a minimum of about $400 per week on tolls. Ken. ==================================================== PortMore toll "bridge' - Errol Williamson ==================================================== Date: Thu, 13 Jul 2006 03:43:17 -0700 (PDT) From: "Errol Williamson" Subject: PortMore toll "bridge' To: webmaster@portmore.org Hi Kennedy-Reid, I was wondering if you had given up on the news-letter.It is good to hear from you again. You may not know as yet but I will represent the JLP in the up coming general election for the constituency of South St. Catherine once again, and as such I think your comments on the toll were very well thought out. One further thought, we should demand an AUDIT of the project as we hear very different sums of money being quoted. When we begin to really tackle the government on this toll bridge.....for that is what it is, there is no ROAD to speak of.....we must have the figures!!! Keep up this medium. Dr. Errol Williamson. JLP Caretaker South St Catherine. ======================== WEBMASTER'S CONTRIBUTION ======================== Dear Dr Williamson, Thanks for offering yourself to represent our community! I believe that Mr. Fitz Jackson will be the PNP candidate and I know you will both conduct a good campaign on the issues. There is an open invitation to both of you to use this medium to reach the constituents of influence. Tell us your plans and efforts for the community. Also, for a small fee, BOTH OF YOU can have your mini websites on Portmore.org. :-) Hey, even former PNP politicians need money! (laugh). No kidding, it's 60 visitors per day! More later! ==================================================== Toll money for Portmore - Cherton C. DaCosta ==================================================== From: "Cherton C. DaCosta" To: webmaster@portmore.org Subject: Portmore Toll Date: Wed, 19 Jul 2006 21:37:12 -0400 Hi Kennedy. I am happy to hear that you are about to publish a book. Am I correct though? I must say that I agree with your pointers on the Toll Road issue. I am a regular user of the Spanish Town Toll Road.Hoving to travel to Kingston at least twice daily and to be able to attend meetings sometimes into the late evenings, I find the Toll road very useful. I know I save on petrol use because the Toll Road allows me fewer stops and idling on the road when there is a build up or accident. Another plus is that there is less likelihood of an accident by vehicles coming from the opposite direction. Also, the wear and tear on the tyres and braking system is minimized. My take on the Portmore Toll Road issue is that the Government handled the communications aspect poorly. It is the Government's fault that there is opposition by a section of the Portmore community. One suggestion the Government copuld have used and maybe have a bargaining chip would be to allow for a small percentage of the revenue earned from the Toll Road go expressely to the maintenance of the road network and drains in the Municipality. Kennedy can you imagine that an agreement is reached where 0.1% (or whatever figure is convenient) of that revenue is tied to maintenance of roads and drains? As long as there is a toll road and there is good management of the Municipality, Portmore people would have good roads to use for life. Ther drains would be cleared at all times and some, if not all, would be upgraded to accommodate enough water and thereby prevent flooding. This would have been a Trust Fund that would make the people of Portmore happy. I suggest this because when I worked in Portmore some years ago, I remember what the roads were like. I recall also that it took the Government through lobbying from the Portmore Joint Citizens Association the efforts of Maurice Garrison and a few others to get Ja$500 million to be spent on road repairs. To this day the repaired roads are still holding up. I do not recall any other built up community that had that amount of money spent on a road network. In years to come, it may prove difficult to get enough for road and drain maintenance. Just ask Mayor George Lee the amount of money he budgeted last year for drain cleaning. Ask Mayor George Lee what he got from Central Government to clean drains. Ask Mayor George Lee how much the real cost to clean these drains is and the amount he budgeted. Today I say to the Government and the Toll Operators, extent the "Olive Branch" offer a small percentage of your revenue to the people of Portmore and start a Trust Fund that will see to the maintenance of roads and drains exclusively. A wise incumbent Member of Parliament or Councillor may want to support this suggestion! ======================== WEBMASTER'S CONTRIBUTION ======================== Brother Cherton, Good ideas, but I am afraid that when it comes to the highway.. the horse gone through the gate already. the Government and the developers are LOCKED in agreements with NO flexibility for the government. If the government had choices that toll would be $60?. They need emancipation too! However, what the government is doing is smart. Since they can not change the situation they are upgrading the Portmore roads. Perhaps this is the administration's way of saying "sorry"... it just might work. About the book. Yes I am writing it, but it is taking a lot of effort and years of research. The most interesting aspect are the many pictures I have gleaned. Those who love history will love these pictures. More later. ==================================================== the Boycott story - dainty geoghagen ==================================================== From: "dainty geoghagen" To: portmore_newsletter-owner@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: Portmore E-newsletter : Boycott or Not! Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2006 13:31:28 -0500 2 points of correction to the Boycott story.....there is an alternative but not an appropriate one since houses were purchased with the understanding that there would be easy access to and from work. Secondly there is nothing on my pay stubs called "toll incentive" so yes I can tell my boss that since my salary is on MOu and I am not in a position to lobby for salary increase I have no choice but to use the government provided free route which is what i have been using. So if and when I am caught up in traffic then that matter will have to be resolved with the Govt. Solution with Punch........vote them out or better yet since there is really no viable alternative to this party .....stay away from the polls on election day...this should send a clear message but as you so rightly stated there is no unity. Have a good one ======================== WEBMASTER'S CONTRIBUTION ======================== Dear Dainty, I understand your pain and frustration! I tried my best to join the Boycott on the first Monday morning! Not just me... it turns out most of my neighbours got up very early also and most of the cars turned northwards towards the "Alternate route". If Mandela could have held the traffic I firmly believe the Boycott would have crippled the project! Half way to Mandela Highway I got the shock of the day! ... most of Portmore was already in the lines at 6:30 a.m.! To remain in the line would have been share hell in by AC less car! In frustration and defeat I turned to the toll road. Truthfully, mi eyes did full a wata as I approached the toll booth. I felt sorry for the Portmore people. I was experiencing what my ancestors must have felt .... trapped between the 'advantages' of the Sugar Estates and the uncertain rewards of freedom in the jungle. What a choice... pay or suffer. … Happy Emancipation Everyone! By the second day of the Boycott, many persons were in my same position... the lines were longer at the toll booths. Indeed the operators had the temerity to be in the lines selling tags! No way! Never for me! I many be a slave but I don't have to wear the badge! I also resolved to travel once each day $60 per day is enough… lazy slave that I am! Anyway, mek wi talk di truth… The road nice fi true! Everyone who uses it agrees that you are at work VERY early And you can sleep late… just as the minister predicted (although September will be the true test). Gone forever are those line hours in Portmore traffic! and I am very happy for that…These are the ‘advantages’ of slavery. Let us resolve to be more watchful in the future so that future generations not have this experience being trapped in unwanted circumstances again! Emancipation needs vigilance! More later! ==================================================== Kennedy you are being dishonest - Derrick Allen ==================================================== Date: Fri, 14 Jul 2006 09:40:10 -0700 (PDT) From: "Derrick Allen" Subject: Toll Road Boycott To: webmaster@portmore.org Kennedy, I think you are being dishonest in your editor's comments on the propose boycott of the toll road. The alternate cannot be suitable if it is going to result in a gridlock. A successful boycott would prove that the alternate is not suitable. (you know it) A successful boycott would also affect persons travelling from west to east in the and east to west in the evening along Mandela as well as those wishing to use H2K. Employers would be upset.(you are worried about the implications) In all human struggles throughout history sacrifices were made (remember the Bus boycott in the USA). Yes, the politicians would claim victory from a failed boycott, but then the people should know that politicians can only do what they allow them to. Therefore, they would be telling politicians to continue doing more of the same and even worse. You don't achieve anything by doing nothing. It is up to the residents of Portmore. Listen, some may think they can afford it now but think about the increases to come. Think my brother! If workers fight their employers individually they would get very little, in collective bargaining their strength is in the numbers. I could go on but point made. ======================== WEBMASTER'S REPLY ======================== Thanks for your contribution Derrick. I have many weaknesses, but dishonesty has just now been added (smile) In my comments I was just trying to prepare you for what would happen... and it went exactly as I predicted. But I understand that sometimes a prophet should just shut up! Suh mi naaaa she nuh more… ================================== "Family Day" - Kennedy Reid ================================== Well, Sheryl and I are extending our family worship day to a hotel.... with movies and dancing. We are holding our first this Saturday. To learn more go to: We have a website More later. ==================================================== Portmore News ==================================================== On July 1 the Registrar General's Department (RGD) has open a new regional office in Portmore in Portmore Pines Plaza. JLP promises Portmore residents $30 toll if elected Portmore Leg of Highway 2000 opened on July 15 Portmore community leaders called for a 2 month boycott of the recently opened toll road to get the fare down to $30 instead of $60. Government will proceed this week with its promise to reconstruct feeder roads to the new highway this includes US$2.7 million construction work on Passage-fort Drive, work on the Port Henderson Road at US$2.22 million (drainage improvement, the lifting of sections of the roadway and repaving). ==================================================== Festival of Talents ==================================================== PORTMORE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS PRESENTS ITS 2ND ANNUAL Festival of Talents S H O W C A S E and Jamaican Food Fair WHEN: EMANCIPATION DAY, AUGUST 1, 2006 WHERE: PORTMORE HEART ACADEMY TIME: 12:00 NOON - 4:30 P.M. - JAMAICAN FOOD FAIR 5:00 P.M. - LIVE PERFORMANCES BEGIN ADMISSION: FREE Come out and enjoy fun, traditional, family entertainment. Food Fair Featuring: Authentic Jamaican Food: Mackerel Run-dung, Pepperpot Soup, Corn Pone, Pudd'n wid custard pon top, Blue Drawz, all types of Jamaican food on sale. Concert : Portmore's Gold Medalists in the JCDC Festival Competition Award winning Dance, Speech and Music pieces Special guest artiste and Mento Band For more contact Nicole Morrison or Anakaye Anderson at 740-7440-2/ 740-0129/ 740-0789or 740-0895 ==================================================== Independence Day Flag raising and Civic Ceremony ==================================================== The Portmore Municipal Council invites all to its Annual Independence Day Flag raising and Civic Ceremony Monday, August 7, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. on the grounds of the Portmore Pines Plaza Portmore, St. Catherine Please be seated by 9:50 a.m. -- Nicole Morrison Community and Public Relations Officer Portmore Municipal Council 81-85 Portmore Pines Plaza St. Catherine Tel.: (876) 740-7440-2 Fax: (876) 740-7521 ==================================================== Foolishness - roland crosdale ==================================================== Date: Fri, 14 Jul 2006 17:17:37 -0400 (EDT) From: portmo@portmore.org To: webmaster@portmore.org Subject: Message from Front page i think the toll road is foolishness no one begged them to build it roland crosdale ==================================================== Are we to Role over and play dead? - P. CitiZen ==================================================== Date: Thu, 13 Jul 2006 06:14:16 -0700 (PDT) From: "P. CitiZen" Subject: Re: Portmore E-newsletter : Boycott or Not! To: portmore_newsletter-owner@yahoogroups.com Kennedy, I tried hard not to reply this the lightest level of Pessimism, but could not. Get a life man. What you are saying is to role over and play dead. CERTAINLY NOT. When we use the 'Legally designated Alternative' here is what will happen. 1. The entire stretch of Mandella will be a parking Lot. 2. Not just Portmore residents will not be able to go to work, but everyone coming from beyond Mandella. 3. If we give in to this, might as well we open our homes and invite them to come in and rape our women and children and Kill us. We know there are those who couldn't care less about the poor or those who cannot afford the toll, God will deal with those. I really do hope to see you at the vigil this Saturday night not just to take pictures but to really stand up for something meaningful. Regards, ======================== WEBMASTER'S REPLY ======================== Jus cool nuh man…. Of course I did came and take pictures....Sorry. I hope we are still friends. Kennedy. PS. I have no clue who you are... ==================================================== Business Directory - xavier hussey ==================================================== Date: Thu, 13 Jul 2006 19:02:37 -0400 (EDT) To: webmaster@portmore.org Subject: Message from Front page can you put portmore handy shop on your directory listing its been there for years more than 20 call troy or steven at 708 8920 for details for the hardware please and thank you xavier hussey ======================== WEBMASTER'S REPLY ======================== xavier, Sorry that your business is not listed. The Business Directory on the site is outdated and will soon have to be taken down. It was prepared by the JayCees of Portmore and I have no time to maintain it. If I get a business directory from someone else I will post it. Kennedy ==================================================== Compliments and Complaints Section! ==================================================== Date: Tue, 27 Jun 2006 10:43:07 -0400 (EDT) To: webmaster@portmore.org Subject: Message from Front page Andrew Graham You guys are doins great cant please every one at the same time keep up the good work ==================================================== PLEASE HELP THE PERSONS BELOW! ==================================================== Subject: Commercial Lands Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2006 11:22:03 -0400 From: "Daley, Julette" To: kennedyreid@yahoo.com Please inform me of the contact person(s) for the commercial lands for sale sorrounding Portmore mall.... ======================================== Subject: Would like info on houses Date: Tue, 18 Jul 2006 18:47:23 -0400 From: "Eaves, Robert" To: webmaster@portmore.org I would like to buy a house at a reasonable price 2-3 bedroom. ======================================= Date: Tue, 27 Jun 2006 13:16:16 -0400 (EDT) From: portmo@portmore.org Add to Address Book Add Mobile Alert To: webmaster@portmore.org Subject: Message from Front page SEAN WALTERS I NEED A JOB THATS NWHAT I WANT.... ICICOOLA@HOTMAIL.COM ======================================= Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2006 17:30:01 -0400 (EDT) From: portmo@portmore.org Add to Address Book Add Mobile Alert To: webmaster@portmore.org Subject: Message from Front page caresa reid your informations are vital and presentations are exellent. i am currently living in Grand Cayman and woulg like to get greater portmore high school email address. i am in need of a school trascript from them because i am a past student and i applied to humber institue in toronto, on, canada and they require a school trascript. i would appreciate your help in any way thank you. caresareid@yahoo.com ============================== ==================================================== [--------------------THE END OF ENTRIES-------------------] ==================================================== Legal Notices - Please read 1. This newsletter makes NO guarantees of accuracy nor authorship. 2. The contents of this newsletter do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher, and do NOT represent the views of any Political Party or Community Organisation. 3. Commercial publication of this newsletter needs the express consent of the webmaster in writing. 4. Copy Rights are owned by Kennedy Reid General Notes - Please read 1. Please copy this newsletter to as many persons as you may, However, please do not alter the contents. 2. To read our past newsletters go to http://www.portmore.org/newsletters/index.html 3. This newsletter is an open forum so please feel free to send us your contributions. We do NOT edit your letters, but may delete sections that can not be published. Deleted sections will be noted. Private e-mail addresses are deleted from letters and, if you ask, we will delete your name also! The Webmaster may comment on your contribution, but reserves the last word for you. Write to webmaster@portmore.org or rhouse@cybervale.com 4. Comments made in this newsletter should be taken in a light manner as the style of this newsletter attempts to be humourous.