The Houses of Parliament, Gordon House, Duke Street, downtown Kingston. - Norman Grindley/ Deputy Chief Photographer
Heroes Park symbolises Jamaican spirit
The Editor, Sir:
I support the many well-thinking Jamaicans who are endorsing the new Parliament. I would love for us to transform the look, image and feel of the National Heroes Park, which is long overdue. I think this new proposed Parliament building would allow us the perfect opportunity to transform the area which symbolises that Jamaican spirit and freedom.
This building should be so grand that it attracts people locally, regionally and from all over the world to see the spirit of Jamaica expressed in the form of the built environment. It is hoped that this building would be designed and built by Jamaicans and for Jamaicans. We go to other countries and are amazed at the buildings of national interest. We can do it too, and even better.
Let's start building on the legacies of National Heroes.
I am, etc.,
Oswy Gayle
Lecturer
School of Business
Administration &
the School of Building and
Land Management
The waterfront is idealThe Editor, Sir:
The new Parliament building should be located on the waterfront in the vicinity of the Bank of Jamaica (assuming that the Tower Street prison would be moved). The Parliament building should be a source of pride for the people of Jamaica. This means that it has to be architecturally grand. Many countries have very grand Parliament buildings - some with gold domes. There should be sufficient space so that the grandeur of the building can be appreciated. Duke Street does not provide such space.
A Parliament building located on the waterfront with nothing else in its immediate surroundings will allow sufficient space for the building and what it represents to be appreciated by the population.
Many countries have used grand public buildings to inspire their populations. The central importance of Parliament to our culture should be celebrated while inspiring us to greatness. The sea as a backdrop to the new Parliament building would help to enhance its grandeur.
The Parliament building should consist of more than chambers in which the Lower House and the Senate meet. It should have offices for Members of Parliament/ Senators and their staff. Without the appropriate support for lawmakers we are not likely to have the business of the country handled in the best possible way.
The Parliament building should also have open space in front of it, to allow the public to demonstrate and/or simply saunter. Locating the new Parliament building on the waterfront would not cause a disruption to traffic, as currently happens on Duke Street. It would also help in revitalising the waterfront area of the city.
I am, etc.,
Peter-John Gordon
Send us your views. Email: editor@gleanerjm.com or fax: 922-6223
