St. George’s, October 27, 2011 – “I would not be daunted; I would continue to spearhead the drive that I have started to bring greater development to St. Patrick.’’

This was the response given by MP for St. Patrick West, the Hon. Joseph Gilbert, to some concerned workers as he toured one of several ongoing infrastructure improvement projects in his constituency on Thursday, October 27.

The communities visited by MP Gilbert included Marli, where work is continuing to upgrade a section of road.

“This work that we are undertaking here in Marli is long overdue,’’ Mr. Gilbert told workers on the site.

“This dangerous area of the road has been the scene of several vehicular accidents, including a fatal one several years ago, which saw a young child losing his life as he stepped out from his yard unto the roadway,’’ the MP added.

Several residents of Marli and the surrounding neighbourhood, as well as bus men and commuters plying the Sauteurs/St. George’s route, have expressed their appreciation publicly for the work taking place at the location. They have commended the MP for his initiative.

According to Ministry of Works’ personnel, the road project which began just over one month ago includes:

§  Widening the roadway

§  Increasing the “line of sight’’ around the bend by “softening’’ the curvature

§  Constructing a 30ft long by 10ft high retaining wall and

§  Constructing over 200ft of concrete slipper drain.

MP Gilbert, a Civil Engineer by profession, served as Minister for Works, Public Utilities and Physical Utilities until recently.

In an October 7 cabinet reshuffle, Prime Minister Tillman Thomas reassigned Mr. Gilbert to the portfolio of Minister for Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development.

At a public meeting held following the cabinet reshuffle, constituents expressed displeasure at the change, reiterated their support for MP Gilbert, and urged him to continue serving in government.