The Editor,Sir:

The Windsor Research Centre (WRC), whose website is http:/wrc.cockpitcountry.com and which is located near Jamaica's Cockpit Country, has shown scientifically that the ecosystem of that fairly well preserved area of the island's natural environment is very delicate and its continued preservation is vital to the island's environmental prosperity.

Hence, it would be a disastrous move for the Government to allow bauxite mining to take place in the Cockpit Country. I hereby call on the Government, the Opposition and all Jamaicans who care to help stop this proposed mining madness.

Among the numerous scientific reasons why the Cockpit Country should not be further disturbed are its contribution to the evolutionary (adaptational) phylogenetic isolation of species; its habitat for unique species; its contribution of functional groups to ecosystem stability and preservation of the ecological system; and the value of the Cockpit Country in advancing species range, including site-endemics, local endemics and regional endemics. In fact, according to the WRC, the Cockpit Country is such a vital ecosystem that it should be declared a World Heritage site.

Natural disasters

In simplest terms, to allow bauxite mining in the Cockpit Country would lead to increased natural disasters like flooding and droughts on the island.

It would disturb the natural beauty and functioning of the country and might even contribute to the world's environmental deterioration.

Will the Portia Simpson Miller government listen to reason this one time and say no to bauxite mining in the Cockpit Country or will it sell this Jamaican vital heritage for a mess of pottage?

I am, etc.,

Rev. MERVIN STODDART

INMerv@hotmail.com

P. O. Box 150953

Altamonte Springs,Florida

Via Go-Jamaica