Cry from the block

Diana Branch has lived in Burke’s Village for over 40 years. She said it was a peaceful place, but badly needed a proper bus service.

St Joseph parish ambassador Ramon Chase said all the youth needed was motivation and support and they could accomplish great things. As such, he was involved in talks to establish a youth club in the area. (Pictures by Nigel Browne.)

By Carlos Atwell | Fri, January 27, 2012 - 11:33 AM

Burke's Village, Horse Hill, St Joseph, is a place where the “block” and the parliamentary representative’s office share virtually the same space.

However, the boys on the block said they were there first.

“This is we block; we hang out here. This was ever the block – for years before this office build – but everything does be cool,” said Shawn Sinckler.

“Cool” indeed, as the people who work in Dale Marshall’s constituency office leave their Wi-Fi equipment on so the youth in the area can come with their laptops and tap into the Internet to listen to music, watch movies, log on to Facebook or other social networking sites or simply surf the web.

However, not everyone is feeling the love as they say neither Marshall nor Government is doing anything for them.

“Down here is behind God’s back. We can’t even get a bus on time out here. Nobody does nothing for we. Also, I want to be able to apply for a job without needing a reference from a politician. If you from the ‘wrong’ constituency, they don’t tek you on,” said one youth, who requested anonymity for fear of victimization.

Jason Catlyn added: “Politicians don’t care about we after they get into power. We want work. Work means more money and less youth on the street and less crime. I would do anything once it’s a job.”

Parish Ambassador Ramon Chase was among the group. He put things into perspective.

“The representative can only do so much. I have been in talks with Marshall to transform the old post office into a club for the youth. Right now, the men try to host small football and basketball tournaments but we really need a dedicated sports programme here,” he said.

Chase said youth were willing to work but needed the motivation and support to get them going.

Diana Branch has been a Burke’s Village resident for more than 40 years. She said she loved how peaceful it was but complained about the bus service.

“It does be cool, no violence. You does get li’l quarrels but no shooting. However, we need more public transportation – I does have to get up at 5:30 in the morning to get a bus,” she said.