THE EDITOR, Sir:
NOT TOO long ago Mr. Vayden McMorris had occasion to pronounce on the creeping 'uglification' of Kingston.
Today I drove past the Ministry of Education, a landmark building designed by the late architect Mr. Wilson Chong, and I could not believe my eyes. It is cheaply and garishly painted up in obtrusive colours, as is its neighbour. I still cannot believe it. The Government of Jamaica is now a prime offender in institutionalising the 'uglification' of Kingston.
Surely there are rules and regulations governing the finish of public buildings, rules and regulations that are inviolate and consistent.
The new Ministry of Finance building higher up the road is elegant and controlled in its finish. Is such a garish and obtrusive paint up mess awaiting its future? I do hope not. Employing architectural planning under the aegis of a properly qualified chief architect would ensure the finish of public buildings in quiet rendition.
I cannot fathom such disquiet being made of Ministry buildings in Washington or in London where unobtrusive conservative good taste is the inviolate rule. Can something not be done at this time?
I am, etc..
DR. ALTMAN
COTTERELL
Kingston 8
