The People’s National Party extends its heartfelt sympathies to the family and loved ones of the man who lost his life today after falling through a gaping hole in the Easington bridge, a heartbreaking incident that lays bare the deadly human cost of delayed repairs to Jamaica’s crumbling infrastructure.

The man, whose identity has not yet been released, died this morning while attempting to cross the bridge which has remained dangerously compromised since Hurricane Melissa struck six months ago. Local residents in Western St Thomas have repeatedly called for action, but their pleas have gone unanswered.

“This is a profound failure of duty,” said MP Richard Azan, Opposition Spokesperson on Roads. “A Jamaican is dead because we allowed a known hazard to remain open. I am angry and deeply saddened. The Government must stop issuing promises and start issuing work orders. Every day of delay puts another life at risk.”

The tragedy has renewed urgent concerns over the Government’s Accelerated Bridge Programme, which has failed to deliver on critical repairs in St Thomas. Without safe alternatives, residents have been forced to cross the damaged structure, a gamble that today turned fatal.

Mr Azan called for a full parliamentary disclosure of all infrastructure spending since the hurricane and an immediate temporary crossing for Easington. “No more excuses. No more waiting. Repair the bridge or build a safe passage. Honour the dead by protecting the living.”