A long-standing challenge for residents of Trou Marc in Choiseul has officially come to an end with the installation of solar-powered street lights in the area.
Parliamentary Representative for Choiseul, Hon. Keithson Charles, described the moment as historic, noting that for generations the community was engulfed in darkness at night. “We all know the old folklore about Trou Marc,” Charles said. “For generations, a pitch-black darkness has covered this area after sunset. Many people avoided that stretch of road at night. But our hardworking fishermen and farmers didn’t have that luxury.”
According to Charles, fishermen and farmers have had to travel through the unlit roadway in the early hours of the morning, often at 2:00 am and 3:00 am, as they headed out to sea or to their farms to earn a living. “They had to navigate that road in complete darkness just to feed their families and this community,” he added. “Today, we changed that reality.”
The installation of solar-powered street lamps now brings consistent lighting to the area for the first time in its history. “Trou Marc has finally seen the light,” Charles declared. “No more navigating in pitch darkness.”
The MP credited Minister for Infrastructure Hon. Shawn Edward and his team for collaborating on the project, as well as members of the Choiseul community who assisted with the installation. “I want to extend a massive thank you to Minister Shawn Edward and the hardworking crew at the Ministry of Infrastructure,” Charles said. “And special recognition must go to the men from our own community here in Choiseul who helped make this historic day possible.”
Charles indicated that the lighting initiative forms part of a broader effort to improve safety and infrastructure within the constituency. “We are lighting up every corner of this community, one lamp at a time,” he stated.
Residents say the new lighting will not only improve safety and security, but also bring peace of mind to families and workers who depend on the roadway daily.
