THE EDITOR, Sir:THE MARCH 2 meeting on the Portmore leg of Highway 2000 was an emotionally charged one that in my opinion raised more questions than answers.
Unfortunately, my fellow residents did not seize the opportunity to have dialogue with the minister since a majority came with the intention to carry out a 'public lynching' or 'dissing' of the minister. This they succeeded in doing.
However my purpose in writing is to highlight some points that were raised by Mr. Pickersgill and a few citizens that I believe are relevant for a solution. In replying to the concerns about the suitability of Mandela Highway as an alternative route the minister said that: (a) additional development can be and will be done on the existing highway to ease the potential bottleneck that would arise from the traffic overflow; (b) work would also be done on the Marcus Garvey and Three Miles roadways to address traffic congestion; (c) in regards to the toll rate, he said this would not be above $50.00 and the citizens would not be the ones to fund the cost of the project.
POTENTIAL BOTTLENECK
The minister, in replying to concerns about the suitability of Mandela Highway as an alternative route, said additional development would be done to ease the potential bottleneck. My questions in relation to these proposals are about what forms the additional developments would take, would travel time to Kingston be lessened, and what is the time frame for completion and the actual toll rate for residents.
UNSAVOURY BEHAVIOUR
It was certainly a night of unsavoury behaviour and comments in which the minister felt he had to be involved. For future meetings Mr. Pickersgill needs to have a decorum that will not be interpreted as patronising, arrogant or insulting. He must be cognisant that individuals have different perceptions and moreover a meeting in a hostile atmosphere was no place for any wisecrack comment aimed at trivialising any statement made by individuals present. For this he had to repeatedly apologise.
I strongly believe that even during the boisterous display workable solutions were put forward with the hint of added indirect benefits for Portmore residents and these need to be explored further. Therefore, the relevant parties should meet again to have genuine dialogue for a final and amicable end to this issue, thereby redeeming the residents of Portmore as sane citizens of Jamaica, land we love.
I am, etc.,
LORRAINE PUSEY
Laburnum Court
Portsmouth,
Waterford PO
