A newly elected councillor for the Morant Bay Division, Rose-Marie Shaw, is taking immediate action to hold the government accountable for promises made during the recent election campaign.

During a visit to the Morant Bay Cemetery on Saturday, November 23, Shaw condemned the neglected condition of the burial site, calling it an offence to the deceased and their families.

Shaw, who visited the cemetery to pay tribute to the late Councillor Rohan ‘Washy’ Bryan, highlighted the overgrown shrubs and neglected trees that make it difficult for families to visit their loved ones with dignity. “This is a basic issue of respect. It’s unacceptable, and it needs to be fixed immediately,” Shaw stated.

She also pointed out that the cemetery’s poor condition stands in stark contrast to the many promises made by government officials during the election campaign. Shaw noted that Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie and other officials frequently visited Morant Bay, promising improvements for the community. Despite the government’s heavy presence during the campaign, the cemetery remains in disrepair, which Shaw believes is a clear sign that the government has failed to follow through on its commitments.

“The Minister and his team were here often during the campaign, but the cemetery—just steps from where they held their events—remains in disrepair,” Shaw said. “I’m demanding that they act on their promises and fund the restoration now.”

For Shaw, the call for action extends beyond just the cemetery. “This is just the beginning,” she declared. “The people of Morant Bay deserve more than empty words. As their representative, I’ll ensure their needs are met and that the government follows through on its commitments.”

“This is about more than politics; it’s about respect, accountability, and delivering for the people of Morant Bay,” she added.