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By Halshane Burke
Residents of Port Sea, St. Elizabeth are protesting the erection of a cell tower in their community.
From as early as 4:30 Thursday morning, the residents took to the streets and blocked the roadway leading to Malvern, Red Bank, Rose Hall and Ritch.
Port Sea resident Donna-Ree Myers says a telecommunications firm erected the 200 ft tower in the centre of the community without the requisite consultation with the residents.
She claimed that the few residents who were informed were told that "a pole" would be erected on a building "for them to get better service". But she said these residents are in their 70s and 80s, and did not understand.
The residents have since signed a petition to have the tower removed. The petition has been delivered to the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation, National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and the telecommunications company.
Ms Myers suggested the residents are against the erection of the tower because of the radiation it could emit. They are also concerned about the devaluation of their properties.
The residents have vowed to keep protesting until their concerns are addressed.
Stop order
The St. Elizabeth authorities say they will be investigating the issues surrounding the construction of the cell tower.
Franklyn Witter, Member of Parliament for South East St. Elizabeth, said the municipal corporation had issued a stop order on Flow to cease activity.
Mr. Witter said there are conflicting reports as to who granted permission for the work to continue.
He said it would be necessary to "get all the parties together and see how best we can resolve the issue".
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