Dear Editor,

Given that my grandaunt, who has for some time yearned for adequate shelter, was among the beneficiaries of over 100 housing solution which were recently built in Manchester, I was a bit saddened to hear my Member of Parliament (MP) Mikael Phillips declare that the Government has done nothing for the people of the parish.

The house was made available to her under the Government’s New Social Housing Programme. The donation has lifted a tremendous burden off my shoulders as I had been struggling with a previously unfulfilled duty of care towards my grandaunt’s lifelong dream concerning shelter. She raised me.

It is true that the parish needs more attention, including an overhaul of the Mandeville Regional Hospital, which has been in a poor state. However, it is disingenuous of Phillips to say recently on the political platform that nothing has been done for Manchester. In fact, I’ve observed that in Manchester Central, for example, more roads are being fixed by MP Rhoda Crawford than I have ever seen in my four decades of existence.

A new family court, repairs to the infirmary, and over $200 million spent on upgrading the Mandeville Comprehensive Health Centre, along with the roll-out of free Wi-Fi in the town centre and its environs, are among the development initiatives which have taken place in Manchester over the past few years and brought tangible benefits to my fellow parishioners.

I’d, therefore, encourage Phillips to lobby for more development. However, shame on him for suggesting that nothing has been done.

Veronica Blake

veronicablake959@yahoo.com