Mikael Phillips got his facts wrong

THE EDITOR,

Given that my grandaunt, who has for sometime yearned for adequate shelter was among the beneficiaries of over 100 houses which were recently built in Manchester, I was a bit saddened to hear the member of parliament Mikael Phillips declaring 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 to fulfil my grandaunt’s life-long dream of getting a place for herself.

It is true that the parish needs more attention including an overhaul of the Mandeville Hospital, which has been in a poor state. However, it is disingenuous of Mr Phillips to say recently in a political forum 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 the last four decades.

A new family court, repairs to the infirmary, and over $200 million spent on upgrading the Mandeville Health Centre, along with the rollout of free WiFi in the town centre are among the development initiatives that have taken place in Manchester over the past few years and brought tangible benefits to the people.

I would encourage Mr Phillips to lobby for more development. However, he needs to get his facts right, and for suggesting that nothing has been done.

VERONICA BLAKE