Retreat sees the signs
Published:Saturday | May 10, 2014 | 12:00 AM
Deon P. Green, Gleaner Writer
Retreat, St Thomas:
To combat the challenges emergency-response teams experience when trying to locate addresses in Retreat, St Thomas, the community citizens' association project, 'Knowing Retreat: Let's Unite and Keep it Safe', provided signs on April 24.
The signs were provided with the assistance of the Jamaica Constabulary Force's Community Safety and Security Branch, UK Aid, and the Department for International Development Community Safety Fund.
At the unveiling of the signs, Selvin Thomas, president of the Retreat Citizens' Association, said: "There was the absence of street signs and obtaining detailed directions was time-consuming [for the emergency teams]. This resulted in emotional trauma for victims, loss of property, and the escape of criminals."
HOPING FOR IMPROVEMENT
With the new signs, Thomas remarked: "There should be effective response by emergency-service providers, particularly the police, health, and fire departments."
Phase Two of the association's initiative is to improve the landscape of areas in which a community centre is located and the paving of the driveway to the centre. Thomas appealed to all citizens in the Retreat environs to join the community association to make these and other projects a reality in the community.
Among those attending the function were Errol Greene, secretary manager of the St Thomas Parish Council, who gave approval for the signs to be erected; custos of St Thomas, Marcia Bennett; Superintendent of Police Merrick Watson; and councilor for the Port Morant division, Victor Hutchinson, in whose division Retreat is located.