BY GEORGE HENRY, STAR Writer

Men removing logs which were used to block the Alston to Spaldings main road in North West Clarendon, on Saturday. - George Henry

SPALDINGS, Clarendon:

Angry residents of Alston in North West Clarendon on Saturday expressed their disgust at the length of time it is taking the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) in having electricity restored to that rural community and adjoining areas, by staging a massive demonstration.

The residents, who said their patience has run out because of the long wait following the passing of Hurricane Dean on Sunday August 19, used debris, including huge tree trunks and stones, to block the main road about 50 metres from the square of the rural town, from as early as 6 a.m., while holding up traffic for those travelling to and from the north coast.

The inconvenience experienced by the travelling public, however, did not last for too long, as residents who were adamant that the thoroughfare would not have been reopened until someone from JPS met with them to give a timeline as to when their communities will be getting back electricity, pulled the debris to the side of the road two hours later, after several commuters pleaded with them to do so.

They told THE STAR that the debris would not be put too far, as they plan to remount blockades along that thoroughfare if no word is forthcoming from the light and power company by, the latest, Wednesday; failing which, they will be forced to take action once more.

They argued that other communities in close proximity to Alston have received electricity, and their lives have returned to normal, while they have had to be putting up with discomfort. They are of the view that because Alston is a stronghold of the Jamaica Labour Party, residents are being victimised.