THE EDITOR, SIR:

IN A recent newspaper story, we see where the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) is awaiting Cabinet's decision regarding the proposed closing of the Tinson Pen airstrip, which in effect will force domestic travellers to use the Norman Manley Airport for air travel inland.

The proposal, if being considered, seems like a retrograde step, and we are not aware of any stakeholder who utilises the operations of Tinson Pen, except the Cabinet and the Ports Authority of Jamaica, who would believe that such a move would be positive.

In the interest of time management, productivity and other costs which would be incurred by all to journey to and from Norman Manley, it certainly makes a lot of sense to have an airstrip at the Tinson Pen location.

While we laud the efforts and growth of the Port Authority of Jamaica, and congratulate this entity for its tremendous successes, as well as their contribution to our country's development, we are forced to wonder if it is the case that they are unable to access other lands and locations within proximity of the port's operations for its rapidly growing container business. In this case, it would appear as if we are sacrificing one area of our development at the expense of another.

As usual however, we do not have all the facts, and perhaps we could please 'beg' our servants in the Cabinet to enlighten the country as to the facts and reasons for this course of action being contemplated.

I am, etc.,

SEAVEAPEA

Kingston 8