Three injured in Retreat, Westmoreland by debris used in roadblock

By Kimone Witter    

 

Three persons were injured in Retreat, Westmoreland on Monday morning after they came in contact with debris that was used to block the main road by residents protesting for water.

 

The Retreat main road leads from Little London to Negril.

 

An uprooted tree fell on a car, resulting in the driver being hospitalised in serious condition.

 

Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Western, Morland Wilson, says a motorcyclist and his pillion rider were also injured by debris. 

 

"When they were cutting down the trees, apparently one of the trees fell in a car that was passing by and that person is in critical condition in the hospital. And I was just told that another road user, a bike operator and his pillion, they fell off after hitting into some of the rubble, which is the tree." 

 

Mr. Wilson said the protest has become a public health issue and is urging residents to desist from cutting down trees and placing debris in the road, thereby endangering lives. 

 

"We have seen where the last protest in Retreat as well has resulted in a death. We have seen where the protest in Little London has resulted in a death. And we have now seen where this current one has resulted or has left someone in critical condition. So I'm going to use this opportunity to ask persons to please, desist from blocking the road and cutting down our trees. It's your right to protest but it is not your right to impede the free flow of traffic," he pleaded. 

 

He said the residents have not explicitly stated their demands, but it is his understanding that they are appealing for water to be trucked frequently to alleviate the affects of the drought.

 

The Meteorological Service has said current drought conditions are expected to worsen for Westmoreland and Hanover.