A Strategic Move Forward for Beecher Town

For months, we have written to the relevant authorities seeking substantive answers about restoring reliable piped water to Beecher Town and surrounding communities. While our correspondence was acknowledged, the fundamental questions remained unanswered.

On October 12, 2026, the Beecher Town Water Initiative submitted a formal request to the National Water Commission under Jamaica’s Access to Information Act, commonly called the ATI Act.

This law allows members of the public to request official records held by government agencies. NWC must now search for the requested documents and either provide them, identify any records that do not exist, or give a lawful reason for withholding information.

NWC has formally acknowledged receiving our request and has circulated it among senior officials in Operations, Legal and Compliance, Corporate Services and the North East Region.

The 30-day period is not another deadline established by our initiative or another informal assurance that the matter will be considered. It is the response period established under Jamaica’s ATI law, and NWC has now acknowledged that obligation in writing. If the legal process is not properly followed, formal review and appeal procedures are available.

This stage reminds me of a game of chess. Progress is not always achieved by repeatedly making the same move. Sometimes it requires changing one’s position, anticipating the possible responses and making a move that changes the entire board.

We are seeking the official record of what was proposed, decided, funded—or left undone—since Beecher Town lost its water supply nearly twenty years ago.

This is not yet checkmate. It is, however, an important strategic move toward transparency, accountability, and, ultimately, reliable piped water for our community.

We remain prayerful, patient, and steadfast. Thank you for continuing to stand with Beecher Town.