It is a shame how the Sandy Bank Teacher's Cottage is in dire need of repair and nothing is done about it. Since the last hurricane, the roof has been in a delapidated condition. What happen to the Ministry of Education? Are our representatives here putting enough pressure on the Ministry? Things are falling apart and no one cares. Where is the board?

Is there an active PTA?

Jason is on the School Board. Maybe he should get BREDS to fund this? Better and lots cheaper than a Sports Park. We need the basic necessities and not the frills. There should be no controversy over education.

Just as the road repairs, I would rather see the government, who is responsible for the cottage's upkeep, repair the cottage and BREDS continue to fund things like the ambulance, Christmas party, educational projects, triathlon, hook 'n line tournament, etc.

BREDS is funded by donations from generous souls. The ambulance project alone is an ongoing large expense.

Check out their website at http://www.breds.org/ for information on projects they have funded and continue to fund.

I agree, the cottage should be repaired, but I would rather see the agencies responsible take up the task vs. funds taken away from the ambulance project.

I agree wholeheartedly with Rebecca. There is a limit to what the community, charities and local organisations can do.The onus shouldn't be on them to act as an alternative to our elected leaders. After all if they take on the role of central and local government what's left for them to do? People are already giving of themselves and politicians shouldn't take their kind deeds for granted. Time and again I read the postings and wonder what the elected politicians are doing, have they no shame?Aren't they supposed to address the needs concerns and interests of the electorate who put them in the seats of power?

Jan, I do not think the elected officials have shame. Someone must let them know that what they are NOT doing with the school and with the roads is unacceptable. To me, Jason seems like an ideal person to make some phonecalls to some officials who will listen to him. It is sad but sometimes those who are public figures have more influence than ordinary citizens, though this should not be the case. The road in front of Jakes always seems to be in good condition; I have a feeling this is not an accident.

Who is the INDIVIDUAL responsible for this?

Surely the Min of Ed has a person with this job description.

Dig them up and let them explain!

Why do the Taxpayers bear more stress and are under heavy threat of fines and imprisonment while those that (mis)administer our $ can order Miss
Williams; "tell dem mi gone out!" or other cowardly ways of dodging.

Them could Jason as a member of the Board approach whatever Government agency is supposed to be handling this? We know he has clout.

Poor Jason, him cyaan do eveything!

To me, Jason seems like an ideal person to make some phonecalls to some officials who will listen to him.

I promise you, Jason, and many many others have made those phone calls, written those letters, attended those meetings, put together petitions and delivered them first hand, hosted those officials at their business establishments to show them first hand the deplorable conditions of the roads, school cottage, etc.

The officials have been officially notified, contacted, harrassed, etc. Monies have been officially allocated for road repair. All we can do now is wait for them to officially do something.

In the same breath, not only the school cottage but the school itself that needs proper maintenance. Firstly the gate is very unattractive, the roadway to go the school is very rugged, the place is run-down, I do not believe the School Board is active i.e. Sandy Bank Primary. Sometimes persons are on Boards for prestige and a host of reasons. We need to be doing what we are appointed for and not just for figureheads or political gains. It is time the school board do what they are appointed to do. The school and the cottage needs a general overhaul. With the New Year approaching let's start things right and do what we are appointed to do.

And who amongst all the whiners and wingers bout what the goverment are responsible for duly pay TAXES so that funds can be allocated to ALL the needs of the community? How many poeple don't pay tax on their income?
Jamaica is a developing country. Jamaica is just like any other country, there is never enough money to fund everything. Never! Yes it happens in America, in Canada, in Germany, in the UK too.
If more people were to pay their taxes due and behave legally by not keeping their tax money in their pocket then maybe the elected will have the money to be able to appropriate more funds to education, to healthcare, to the prosperity of all.
Grow up! Take personal responsibility. Big up to those who honour the ethos of goverment. Big up to those who work hard, care and make it happen. Shame to those who simply winge and whine and do nothing else placing the onus pon others and not themselves.
It's not an easy road. But it is easier when everyone supports their own country via paying what's due. Where do you think the goverment gets the money from? Thin air!!!!!!!!!!!!!

after christmas i will go there and estimate the costs of repair and than we will see how we can help
axel,marblue

I TRULY SOPPORT YOU AN THAT....REALITY CHECK.....THATS REALITY....

The perception seems to be that all our governments have squandered taxes paid by the public and possibly worse.

Thus; since the government waste fi wi money, why pay more taxes that are going to be wasted.

Ideally the government functions like a well oiled business and the majority of the public will have no hesitation paying what is fair.

Only, why is the process of figuring, recording and paying taxes made so complicated and cumbersome?

And why so much intimidation?

Remember the 'Back Tax Axe' whose stress inducer was that?

Last lick, Justice.

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By axel on Tuesday, December 19, 2006 - 12:35 pm:
after christmas i will go there and estimate the costs of repair and than we will see how we can help
axel,marblue

Big up to you Axel!