THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE ARROGANCE of the European Union, the National Works Agency, and all parties involved in the North Coast Highway improvement project in Portland is totally confounding. Repeatedly, over a period of five months, they have failed to acknowledge the requests of the citizens in this parish to engage in dialogue about the dissatisfaction involving the procedures by which the executing of this project is taking place in Portland.
There is total disregard and disrespect for the legitimate concerns of a community which the impact will greatly affect in the years to come.
The highway plans stipulate a distinct footage necessary for the widening of the roads. Why then is it so blatantly obvious that Cable and Wireless poles are being erected way over and beyond these requirements, devastating ancient trees and important foliage on people's property in the area?
One spokesman from the National Works Agency says "the highway is not a tourism project", yet the project description clearly states that the NCHIP project in Portland "should enhance the tourism product". If this is so, shouldn't the tourism stakeholders in the parish be deeply involved?
There are many professionals and competent, concerned people with insight and vision who can assist in achieving the desired objectives and outcome without destroying Portland.
Negril, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios have already been environmentally degraded, we cannot stand by and see Portland go the same route.
I am, etc.,
JOANNA HART
joahart@hotmail.ocm
Via Go-Jamaica
