THE EDITOR, Sir:
I SAW in the press recently that the plan to develop Heroes Park was progressing slowly. This might be a blessing in disguise since it is highly unlikely that the general public will use these facilities based on its location and the level of crime in the city. Additionally, due to its size, it is unlikely that any ongoing maintenance programme would be feasible from a financial standpoint.
Could it not be put to better use by converting it into proper playing fields which could be used by the several schools located around, or near to the park? For example, both Wolmer's Boys' and Girls' schools as well as Kingston High School are woefully short of proper playing fields, and with a total student body in excess of 3,000 students, it is inconceivable that some consideration is not given to utilising some of the park lands to facilitate their development as playfields to be maintained by these schools.
Today, Wolmer's Boys' School is not performing well at cricket. This school is known to produce top class cricketers who have represented Jamaica and the West Indies. The school's sports field is inadequate. (Is there any correlation between the performance of the West Indies team and the fact that there is no Wolmerian on the team?)
CONCEIVE NEW PLAN
My recommendation is that the plan be revamped and concentrated on the southern side of the park, and a new plan conceived for the rest of the property, with the focus being on development of sports for the younger generation.
Finally, if the residents of Allman Town and the surrounding areas were to be convinced of the economic benefits they could derive from such a development, they could more than likely play a vital role in reducing or eliminating crime in the area, giving the rest of society some confidence in visiting the park at any time.
I am, etc.,
DERYCK ROSE
deryckrose@hotmail.com
President
Wolmer's Old Boys' Association
