The water crisis gripping St Lucy has become more than a political talking point for Ian Griffith.
For him, it is personal. As Griffith prepares to contest his first General Election next month, the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) candidate for that parish sees the constituency’s struggles as a call to action that echoes the unfinished work of his late friend and predecessor, Alvin Toppin.
Speaking at the conclusion of a wreath-laying ceremony at the Errol Barrow monument in Checker Hall, St Lucy, on Errol Barrow Day, Griffith outlined his vision for a constituency he said has been left behind despite being poised as “the next frontier” for investment in Barbados.
The “Moontown” native, who grew up in Half Moon Fort and now resides in Ashton Hall, St Peter, describes himself as “a true North man” with deep roots throughout St Lucy and surrounding areas. It, however, was his connection to Toppin that shaped his decision to enter the political arena.
“It’s an eerie feeling for me,” Griffith admitted when asked about stepping into the role which became vacant as a result of Toppin’s death last year. The two men grew up together in Ashton Hall, sharing minibus rides in their youth before Griffith would later call upon Toppin, who worked as a DJ, for various events.
“I kind of said that was what inspired me to take up the mantle because I knew Alvin had started some really good work,” Griffith explained.
“He had really sort of adjusted to the life of serving people in St Lucy, serving people in general. I felt that that was something that we need in St Lucy – that type of person who wants to serve people and who wants to represent, who wants to advocate.”
As he canvasses the constituency, Griffith said he has encountered a litany of complaints that paint a picture of mounting frustration. The water crisis dominates conversations, with residents demanding to know when they will have access to clean, drinkable water again. However, the problems extend far beyond the taps.
“The roads are in despicable condition,” Griffith stated, describing areas where distinguishing the roadway from house lots has become difficult due to deterioration. He rattled off a list of affected communities such as Crab Hill, Hope Road, Cave Hill and Checker Hall; noting that recent announcements about road repairs in Crab Hill barely scratched the surface.
Griffith highlighted reports of suspension damage to private vehicles, while ZR vans and minibuses face accelerated wear and tear that cuts into drivers’ earnings.
“It’s a tremendous cost to the people in St Lucy,” he said.
“It’s a cost in inconvenience.” Griffith’s proposed solutions draw on his party’s previous time in Government. He is advocating for a large-scale desalination plant, pointing to plans approved by the DLP administration in 2017 for a facility at Harrison Point that were subsequently shelved when the party lost power.
“Had that desalination plant continued to be built, we probably wouldn’t be facing this issue here,” he argued. (DDS)
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