Hope Gardens funds no waste
published: Saturday | June 24, 2006

THE EDITOR, Sir:

THANK YOU for allowing me space to comment on statements that funds being spent to restore Hope Gardens are a waste. I feel that much is needed to be done to restore the greatness of Kingston, but a balance needs to be applied. A project like Hope Gardens meets many needs. It will provide employment for gardeners and horticulture practitioners. Young people in the youth service could do some training in the maintaining of the gardens, and learn about conservation of the environment. It will provide a space for relaxation and refreshing of the soul away from the buzz of city life. Schools would have a place for class parties.

Note how people swarm to Emancipation Park as an oasis for tranquillity and entertainment ­ which is fast being lost due to the demand on the small space. The Gardens at Hope once had this space in our lives and can once again be a haven for stressed citizens. Productivity on the job is fostered in part by a sense of well-being in the spirit, a well-run garden space could assist in offering an altenative to the demands of life in the city. Inner-city children would have a space to run and 'roll' without the dangers of the streets always at the forefront. For us to move ahead, the aesthetics are needed as well as the infrastructure.

I am, etc.,

WHYCKE-ANDRE

SPENCE

whyckespence@yahoo.com

Portmore, St. Catherine

Via Go-Jamaica