The constituent said he was “cussed out” by his own MP – a claim backed up by witnesses. But Mr Smith refused to comment yesterday.
Ivoine Ingraham, a well-known activist for people’s rights, said he was standing in Rawson Square on Wednesday in support of the public servants, when he saw Mr Smith crossing the street.
He said he told his MP that he should “go and clean up the dirty park in Millennium Gardens where the bush now reachin’ chest high on any adult.”
Mr Ingraham said he told his MP that his son plays on that park and it is in bad shape.
What resulted, he said, was an outburst from his MP. “I was shocked,” said Mr Ingraham.
“I am friendly with MPs on both sides. I speak with them very candidly all the time about issues that I’m concerned with in this country.
“I tell it to them exactly how I feel and they respect me for my opinions. After I voice my opinion we exchange pleasantries as mature men,” he said.
Ronnie Armbrister, who heard the exchange, said he felt no MP should speak to any citizen like that, especially in the company of hundreds of workers on Bay Street.
Mr Armbrister said: “A leader should have broad shoulders, and know how to walk away if necessary in order to avoid conflict.”
Mr Ingraham said he wanted to say more to Mr Smith about his Mount Moriah constituency before the matter got out of control.
He said not only is the park overgrown with high weeds, but the island which separates the dual carriageway is also unsightly.
He said in the past he has made numerous calls and left many messages, trying to get Mr Smith to assist residents of Millennium Gardens.
Another issue he said he wanted to bring to light was that residents feel speed bumps are needed in the area.
Mr Ingraham said after completion of the highway, drivers began taking Millennium Gardens as a short-cut, and cars as well as buses were speeding through the corners.
He admitted that over a year ago, Mr Smith said he would have to address that concern through the Ministry of Works.
But to date, nothing had been done to resolve the issue, said Mr Ingraham.
Source: Felicity Ingraham, The Tribune
