The controversial Digicel tower at Oliver Lodge Road, Holder’s Hill, St James, is to be removed by March 20.
This was communicated to residents by Digicel representatives yesterday evening, signalling a possible end to their grouse which started on January 18.
Community spokesperson, Dr Jennifer Obidah Alleyne, said even though they were not offered an apology, once the tower was gone, they would be satisfied.
“This says so much about communities coming together about a problem,” she said, adding they knew they had to represent themselves as no one else would do it.
“I am so proud to be a member of this community,” she added. “If there are other communities struggling out there who with issues like this, band together and make something happen.”
In an advertisement last month, Government’s Telecommunications Unit said Digicel indicated that a temporary but urgent solution was needed to avoid a disruption in service to 2 500 residents and 25 businesses in the area, but since the cell tower was a change of use from residential to commercial for more than a 28-day period, approval must be requested from the Planning and Development Department.
The residents complained about a loud, continuous noise from an onsite generator and also expressed concern about noise and environmental pollution.
They formed a committee which solicited 30 signatures on a petition calling for the immediate removal of the tower.
Good for you! I am not surprise they would put this in your community.
This kind of thing has been happing for years all over.
The poorest of the poorest people have always been taken advantage off.
They wouldn’t put this in some people’s neighborhoods, because they wouldn’t stand for it.
Even though they probably might be benefiting more from it.
I did not realize how close it was to the homes. It looks like mere yards. In Canada they have to be 400 metres from residences and 300 metres from schools, universities, colleges and hospitals.
Cell towers are a vital part of our modern communication infrastructure, providing us with the connectivity we need to stay in touch with each other and access information on the go. Despite concerns about their safety and appearance, cell towers offer numerous benefits that make them an essential part of our daily lives.
First and foremost, cell towers enable us to stay connected with each other, no matter where we are. They provide the network coverage we need to make calls, send texts, and access the internet, making it easier to communicate with friends, family, and colleagues.
Cell towers also play a critical role in emergency situations, providing a reliable means of communication for first responders and those in need of assistance. They help us stay safe and connected during natural disasters, power outages, and other crises.
In addition to their communication benefits, cell towers also support economic growth and development. They enable businesses to operate efficiently, providing the connectivity needed for online transactions, communication with customers and suppliers, and access to important data and information.
It’s also important to note that cell tower structures are harmless and do not pose a health risk to humans. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other reputable health organizations have extensively researched the effects of radiofrequency waves emitted by cell towers and have found no evidence of adverse health effects.
Additionally, cell towers are designed to blend in with their surroundings, with some even being disguised as trees! These “tree towers” are a great example of how cell towers can be designed to be aesthetically pleasing while still providing essential connectivity.
It’s worth noting that exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays poses a much greater health risk than the waves emitted by cell towers. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that skin cancer affects over 9,500 people every day, highlighting the importance of sun protection and awareness.
In conclusion, cell towers are a vital part of our modern infrastructure, providing essential connectivity and supporting economic growth and development. They are safe, harmless, and designed to blend in with their surroundings, making them an essential part of our daily lives.