LETTER: ABLP’s PR Stunts Won’t Save Lives—Only Action Will

The ABLP government has once again been caught red-handed—scrambling to clean up their mess only after being called out by MP Kelvin Simon. For months, stagnant water festered at the abandoned Bolans Fire Station, creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes and posing a health hazard to both residents and police officers. Officers at the Bolans Police Station and residents in the community have been incessant in their complaints about the mosquito infestation, yet the government did nothing. But the moment the public saw the truth, suddenly, a crew was sent to pump out the water.

This isn’t leadership—it’s damage control.

For eight years, the people of St. Mary’s South have been promised a new fire station. Instead, we have been forced to watch as construction remains stalled, our emergency response system continues to fail, and our communities remain vulnerable. The government has the resources to fix this—they’ve boasted about acquiring new fire trucks—but what good are fire trucks if there’s no proper station to house them, and no adequately equipped fire tender in Johnson’s Point to serve the south?

Let’s be clear: the failure to complete the Bolans Fire Station is not an oversight—it is a deliberate choice. A choice to neglect the people of St. Mary’s South. A choice to prioritize PR spin over real solutions. A choice that puts lives, homes, and businesses at risk every single day.

The recent house fire in Urlings is a tragic reminder of what’s at stake. When disaster strikes, minutes matter. Yet, this administration continues to play politics with public safety. How many more fires must we endure before they finally take action?

The people of St. Mary’s South deserve better. We will not be fooled by last-minute cleanup jobs. We demand the immediate completion of the Bolans Fire Station. No more excuses. No more delays. No more empty promises.

Signed Kelvin Shugy Simon