Echoing the sentiments of Opposition Spokesperson for Housing and Sustainable Living Floyd Morris, the PNP Councillor for the Granville Division, Michael Troupe, charged that the citizenry of Montego West Village has been bamboozled by the Government regarding the Montego Bay Perimeter project.

Earlier this week, Senator Morris stated that 16 homeowners were at great risk of losing or seeing a major disturbance of their lands and holdings due to the project, which seeks to build a bypass around Jamaica’s second city. Upon completion, it is hoped that this new road will significantly reduce traffic congestion within the city.

According to Morris, the homeowners have made repeated appeals, but have yet to get a response from anyone.

Councillor Troupe said in an interview on Friday afternoon that the powers that be were in a state of ignorance concerning the plight of residents from Montego West.

“I am not speaking as a PNP member, but for the small man,” Troupe said. “The House I bought and live at in Pit Four I have owned for 48 years. That is the reality for these people, and they are now facing encroachment from the government, getting more than they bargained for. They didn’t want to have to deal with trucks and cars and their noise at night, or lose the property they worked so hard for. Compensation isn’t enough.”

The Granville councillor placed the blame not just on Prime Minister Andrew Holness, but also Member of Parliament for St James West Central, Marlene Malahoo Forte. He said Holness was overstretched and could not properly handle the various requirements he had to meet, while Malahoo Forter was neither in tune nor present to see to the concerns of her constituents.

“I have always believed that the prime minister is managing too many ministries,” he said. “As for Marlene, she is MP in name and not in action.”

Troupe stated that he had personally received complaints from eight to 10 residents of the Montego West community regarding the Montego Bay Perimeter project, and that he was working tirelessly to see that they got the justice they deserved.

“I am just a councillor, this is way above my pay grade. But I am doing what I can. The citizens of St. James West Central have had enough of the empty promises. It is an Election year and time come for a new government that will care about the people,” he said.