THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WOULD like to address this open letter to Minister of Transport and Works, Robert Pickersgill, regarding Palisadoes road being blocked and the airport and Port Royal being cut off ... again.
It is obvious that the weather patterns have changed and Jamaica will have to deal with hurricanes more frequently. Praise God for the blood of Jesus that is spread around the island for protection that has been keeping Jamaica from getting direct hits by these Category Four hurricanes. The island, however, does get a pounding from wind and rain, which leads to flooding and major damages.
My question to the honourable minister is, have you seriously considered building a modern airport on the 'mainland', for example, Vernamfield? How many warning shots across the bow will it take for the Government to consider and change course? There comes a time when what used to be has to change.
Currently there is a major focus on HW2000 and this is good. I believe it will bring economic transformation and improvement to the island, and will attract more foreign investments, and could encourage local entrepreneurs as well. With a major airport at Vernamfield, and a 'spur' off HW2000 to the airport, we are talking of a major 'shot in the arm' for toll collection. You could collect toll into the airport for maintenance and security. Can you see the benefits of this, sir?
I believe it is time you not only consider, but also start the wheels turning for the construction of a modern world-class airport on the mainland. You could leave this as your legacy, your contribution to Jamaica's future generations. Palisadoes has served its purpose, things and times have changed, we are being given 'warnings' that are best to heed now, and make changes also. The economy and other things depend on our actions today.
I am, etc.,
LOCKSLEY MAITLAND
locksleymm@aol.com
Dallas, Texas.
Via Go-Jamaica
