The Editor, Sir:

It appears that a proclivity exists in Jamaica's national governments to ignore the well-thought-out advice of its citizens, whether recommendations are made individually or from a non governmental organisation (NGO). One may recall a series of articles in the late 1960's to early 1970's mainly from a research group at the University of the West Indies (UWI) regarding the deteriorating state of the Kingston Harbour and the urgent measures deemed necessary then to reverse the undesirable prospect of neglect. The 'Cross the Harbour' swimming competition, an annual event of swimmers crossing the Harbour from the Palisadoes peninsula to the mainland had to be subsequently abandoned due to 'unfriendly waters' caused by water pollution.

Government weak-kneed

Government agencies seem to be incompetent or weak-kneed or worse yet, negligent in the performance of their commissioned duties. The environmentalists always seem to be in a never-ending battle to get the ears of these entities with a view to act on what is right for the development of a community that is sustainable. In late May 1991, The Daily Gleaner published a 'Letter of the Day' recommending a 'Ministry of Roads & Drains' which argued: "This 'ministry' would be charged with the prime responsibility of constructing and maintaining DRAINS which in turn would protect all our ROADWAYS from both the ravages of storm water and any potential water-pipe leak-cum-pothole combination."

principle unheeded

Not only has the principle proposed gone unheeded by the various administrations since, but now the National Works Agency (NWA) seems to be complicating the problem. The storm water which rushes along Molynes Road from as far as the Moreton Park community (a distance of at least one kilometre), to the Sandy Gully Bridge approaching the Washington Boulevard, is now going to be forced to inundate business premises approaching the Toronto Avenue intersection due to the construction of a continuous 'high-rise' concrete median in this area. How ridiculous it is, to have to watch this water compete with vehicular traffic in crossing that bridge on its way over the gully towards the Washington Boulevard! My guess is that that median will also demonstrate its hindrance to the flow of school traffic!

"When will they ever learn?"

I am, etc.,

CLEVELAND GUSTARD

cgustard@gmail.com

1 Tamarind Avenue

Kingston 10

Via Go-Jamaica