The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

ADRIAN Gibson said Long Island’s economy has significantly declined, and residents are struggling with deteriorating infrastructure and unacceptable living conditions.

Describing the situation as a “nightmare”, the island’s MP highlighted ongoing issues such as unreliable power service and water supply, frequent telecommunication failures, and inaccessible financial services which make life increasingly difficult for both residents and visitors.

He was speaking in the House of Assembly on Wednesday.

He said many communities from Scrub Hill to Seymours could not make a single phone call or send a text message due to constant phone and internet service outages.

Residents, already burdened by high fuel costs, must drive long distances to check if groceries or vehicle parts are in stock because telecommunications are always out of service, he said, adding that the island has only one ATM located in Deadman’s Cay which is frequently out of service or has no cash.

Mr Gibson said the situation burdens customers and businesses on the island.

“I have constantly called on the government to cause for BOB to come to Long Island to provide banking services,” he said. “This is beyond inconvenience; this is a burden. When you have the one and only ATM machine constantly breaking down, and businesses are unable to accept credit cards because of the internet failures.

“Tourists can’t access money and they should be bringing dollars into our economy, and they are left frustrated inconvenienced and unlikely to return.”

The Long Island MP indicated that the government, which is a major shareholder in BTC, has failed to ensure that the telecommunications provider delivers adequate service.

Mr Gibson also complained that the roads are in deplorable condition, riddled with potholes and prone to flooding. He said it is reminiscent of a “war zone” rather than island that depends on tourism and development.

He said despite high taxes, vehicle registration fees, and high fuel costs, Long Island reaidents are being “punished for owning cars”.

Regarding the island’s healthcare system, he said the morgue in Deadman’s Cay is out of order, and families are forced to transport the bodies of loved ones over 30 miles to the Simms Clinic in the back of trucks.

He said clinics are also short of basic medicines, and promises of a new morgue and ambulance have not yet been fulfilled.

“The Member for Tall Pines prior to the break promised that we would be getting a new morgue which has not arrived,” he said. “He said they would get it in a couple of weeks; it’s been two months or so. And a new ambulance has yet to arrive.”

Mr Gibson said the island’s airport is “derelict, run-down, and an embarrassment.”

“How can we,” he said, “promote tourism and encourage economic growth when the gateway to our island is so decrepit?” We need upgrades, airlift solutions and we need them now. How much longer must Long Island wait?”