Dr. Bernard Nottage has not done anything to better the inner city community say eight of nine constituents polled in the Bain and Grants Town area

Is Your MP Performing
By Kendea Jones:



Eight out of nine constituents polled in the Bain and Grants Town area yesterday said that Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Member of Parliament Dr. Bernard Nottage, who has represented them for the last three years, has not done anything to better the inner city community.

The Journal, which randomly polls constituencies each week, went out into the community yesterday to ask the residents if their MP was performing.

The Journal traveled through Dumping Ground Corner, which is just a stone’s throw away from Dr. Nottage’s constituency office.

The office was closed.

Lonard Davis, a four-year resident in the constituency said for many years he had hoped that sidewalks would be placed on the road to protect pedestrians.

"If you look at it, you can tell for yourself, people are still walking on the side of the street because there is no sidewalk. I have been gone for almost 30 years and when I came back it was still the same," he said.

When asked if Dr. Nottage’s presence is felt throughout the constituency, Mr. Davis said, "I’ve never really seen him."

Damian Poitier says he has been living in Bain and Grants Town all his life.

He said it seems like every Member of Parliament that has represented the constituency over the years has done a "poor job."

"[Dr. Nottage] is not performing at all because summer camps used to be going on in the area for children but that is not going on anymore and neither is the clean-up campaign. It just goes to show that he doesn’t care too much for the community because you can hardly see his face," he said.

Another resident, Kim Rolle, said on May 2, 2007 she proudly elected Dr. Nottage.

It’s a decision she says she now regrets.

"To be totally honest, I don’t see any performance at all," she said. "They say he probably has a handful of people that he deals with, but I have been here for about 19 years and I have not seen any results since he came in. Before him there was Bradley Roberts and it was the same thing – nothing."

Barbra Gibson said she has a particular gripe with Dr. Nottage.

She said that many of the youths are too idle in the community and that has led to a higher level of crime in the area.

"There is very little evidence as to whether or not the MP for this constituency is performing," Ms. Gibson said. "Who ever is seeking public office should make the decision to assist the people with new, creative ideas."

"You have a group of young men who are willing to work in Bain Town, but there is absolutely nothing there for them to do. The children are just roaming the streets now that there is no summer school. I am looking for an MP who will bring new ideas so that these children could get in some positive activities."

Tubby Johnson had similar sentiments.

He said that he only happens to see Dr. Nottage when there is a murder in the community.

"You only see him showing up so that they can be in front of the cameras. He doesn’t do anything for Bain Town. I want to know where is the $100,000 allowance he was given, because we don’t see it being used on this constituency," Mr. Johnson said.

Meanwhile, Jimmy Fisher claimed he barely knows what his MP looks like.

"I have a question, who is my MP? I don’t see him. I may see him on TV. I didn’t vote for him but at this time I feel that CB Moss [former Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) senator] should be the MP for Bain Town because he does more for the community than Dr. Nottage," he said.

But a 44-year resident, who preferred to be called "Johnson" had an entirely different view.

"Dr. Nottage is doing well in my area. He was here last week and there was a good get-together outside of the church. He seems to always be around and he has meetings on Meadow Street," he said.

While many Bain and Grants Town residents say they are not pleased with Dr. Nottage’s performance, they say they will think harder before they decide who will represent them in the House of Assembly in the next general election.

July 29th, 2010

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