By Kevin Black

Staff Writer

April 20, 2025

Time and time again for over 50 years, the community of Swift River has been stricken with devastating disasters.

Due to the dreadful floods which caused mass destruction in the area during 1988 and 2000 respectively, the community of Swift River gradually declined from being one of Portland’s most influential towns to a stagnant area, which lacks opportunities for upward social mobility, for its residents. The members of the community now seek to rectify this, as they have been working tirelessly to help the community to rise from its current state.

The vulnerability of the Swift River area, actually extends as far back as the 30th of November 1937, when flood rains caused a massive landslide that almost wiped out the entire community. It was recorded that an outburst of rain deposited approximately 24 inches of water within a 24-hour period, resulting in the Swift River and its tributaries breaking down their banks, destroying arable lands and houses in their paths. This resulted in lives being lost, persons becoming homeless, shops, churches and the bridge that joined the community with the outside, were also washed away. Amidst the destruction of the 1937 flood, there were more recorded events of misfortune which also resulted in a massive relocation program being put in place by the government. The last major recorded flood happened in 2006. According to Matilda Blake, Shelter Coordinator for the area, the repercussions of the last major flood were disastrous.

“The floods had a tendency of washing away everybody. Many houses which residents thought had solid and firm foundations easily got lifted and thrown to and from as soon as the rains poured; and as the river overflowed, years of vegetation, which was the livelihood of many, were destroyed,” Mrs. Blake said.

Flooding is often the main disaster which affects the community. This is sometimes influenced by improper disposal of garbage and poor farming practices both in Swift River and adjoining communities. As a result, from time-to-time residents are marooned for long periods of time.

Flooding is a persistent issue, even today, as there are two areas which are virtually unpassable by motorists whenever there is heavy rainfall. These areas are located at the Bantama area in Swift River Proper and at the bridge in the Bloomfield district, which is located near the Bloomfield Primary School. According to Verona Haye, teacher at Bloomfield Primary School, this poses a severe issue in regards to her punctuality.

“Anytime the rain falls, I find myself struggling to get to work. Sometimes the taxis have to detour and drive the Mount Hermon route instead of travelling the main route. This usually causes a delay in the time it takes to commute to work which puts me at a disadvantage at times,” she said.

According to Marva Williams, President of the Swift River Zone Disaster Management Committee, plans have been made in cooperation with the Portland Municipal Corporation to improve the drainage systems within the area in order to mitigate the effects of excessive flooding.

“The Parish council is likely going to clean the drains which are being filled during the inclement weather in quick time. Whenever they are notified, they usually come in and assess the situation and then try to rectify issues as quick as they can, so I urge residents not to worry,” she said.

Residents are being advised that Swift River has an extended rainy season and consequently, caution must be practiced at all times during their daily commutes and journeys.