The Ford truck that plunged into a ravine, killing 14 people, at Dam Bridge, Portland, is dragged back up to the perilous road by three cranes on Saturday. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

The nation's farmers are demanding that Government immediately implement measures to rehabilitate farm roads and rural thoroughfares.

Norman Grant, president of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), while offering condolences to the relatives of the 14 people killed when a market truck plunged into a ravine at Dam Bridge, Portland, Friday night, said Parliament must consider the floating of a 30-year rural development bond or other appropriate instrument.

"We need to compel our minds to the necessity of an important form of instrument for rural and farm-road development," said Grant.

Treacherous path

Farmers have been vocal, for many years, about the treacherous path taken to get produce to markets.

The pathway where the ill-fated crash occurred is narrow and winding.

Additionally, the area above Dam Bridge leading into Millbank is a deteriorated river course.

"The greatest memory for these victims is to earmark some of the budget for rural-area network," said Grant.

Dr Donald Rhodd, member of parliament for the community, shared a similar view.

Rhodd, shortly after the passage of Tropical Storm Gustav in August, moved a motion in Parliament related to natural disasters and how rural communities had been devastated.

"The roads are horrendous," Rhodd told The Gleaner yesterday.

Some $3.5 billion had earlier been estimated to fix farm and rural road networks after many were damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004.

Rehab money allocated

Agriculture Minister Dr Christopher Tufton, during his presentation in the Budget Debate in April, said farm roads were critical to sustainable agricultural produc-tion. At the time, he said, $200 million was allocated for the commencement of rehabilitation of farm roads.

Of the 14 dead, eight were members of the JAS Millbank farmers' group. Beverly Bernard-McDonald, one of the deceased, was a farmer and vice-president of the Millbank group.

"So, it has really touched us in a significant way. We indeed mourn with the families," said Grant.

Grant, not placing blame on the driver, issued a word of caution that farmers should ensure that transport units were in good order.

shelly-ann.thompson@gleanerjm.com