THE EDITOR, Sir:
AS AN expatriate Jamaican living in Vancouver, I was very proud to learn of the awarding of the Sangster International Airport contract being awarded to YVR Airport Services. Imagine my embarrassment to learn that YVRAS was only awarded technical services and that Chilean, Spanish and Israeli interests, the rest.
I do not wish to impugn these companies' reputation but have they built an airport before? YVRAS recently built Vancouver's new, magnificent international terminal and upgraded the domestic one to match, to the admiration of the world's travelling public. All done ON TIME and UNDER BUDGET! Conversely, witness the Piarco fiasco in Trinidad.
Because of their obvious expertise, 14 other Airport Authorities have entrusted their troubled airports to them. Not Jamaica, we have to do things with the usual and uniquely Jamaican twist; four companies instead of one, with four sets of overhead of travel, offices, cars, houses, salaries and PROFITS! the key word profits! The cynical would
suggest largesse, with some kind of 'jinnalship' at work. Piarco revisited?
Recently, Standard and Poor Rating Agency downgraded Jamaica's debt rating from acceptable to negative with this to say; "Jamaica's debt to GNP ratio was the worst in the world of all countries tracked." How, when and with what is Jamaica to pay off US$7 billion of debt?
As for YVRAS, one wonders what could be in this contract for them? Why would they settle for such a bit part in this B-Grade movie? How does it enhance their international reputation as airport designer, builder and manager? Is there more to it than meets the eye?
I am etc.,
RANNY
Vancouver
Canada
