The goodly people of St Andrew want better and they deserve it. On Tuesday night, residents congregated in the hall of The Alleyne School to listen to the Government and get the ear of Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley.The session called St Andrew Speaks did not lack speakers, as many wanted to be heard on their desire for better after decades of what some termed “neglect”.It was an almost four-hour town hall meeting at which other government officials and technocrats in various ministries fielded questions. The PM herself commented on the fact that the St Andrew session was the longest of the parish public engagements she has had so far.Residents came armed with their concerns, challenges and plights. But many also came with suggestions that the PM promised would be acted upon, where possible.The issues they raised included: a lack of recreational facilities, community and resource centres, agro-training facility, title deeds for tenantry land, and educational and training opportunities; deplorable road and bridge conditions; inadequate lighting; poor accessibility in and out of the parish; and the need for an improved bus service, a shuttle service for residents in Bawdens, St Simon and Belleplaine to synchronise with the Turner’s Hall bus, and a tree planting initiative that would improve soil conditions and boost food security.Lack of running water, postal issues and inadequate other social services were also some of the complaints laid before the Government panel that included
