What's the urgency to sell Belmont property?

Tuesday, February 07, 2012

Dear Editor,

With regard to the proposed sale of the Belmont property in St Ann, directly across from the entrance to the Mystic Mountain Park and to the east of Dolphin Cove, we now see that the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) is proceeding to dispose of the property.

In a letter to this paper in December, I highlighted the speed with which the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) was moving to dispose of some of the country's most valuable ecological coastline assets, with an indecent haste and lack of transparency.

Why is this being done now in the absence of a chairman at the UDC?

It is now being given some justification that the sale may proceed under the DBJ, "handling the tender in its capacity as a provider of advisory services to UDC on divestment".

What is the urgency, in the absence of a board and chairman at the UDC?

Were the Northern Jamaica Conservation Association, St Ann Parish Development Committee, St Ann Chamber of Commerce or St Ann Social Developement Commission consulted for their input?

In the most recent commentary on the sale, the DBJ has stated that it is not at liberty to publicly disclose the valuation, during the public tender process: this is understandably so of the financial offer, but what of the more important consideration: its use?

Why is the public not being allowed to have knowledge of what use the tenders have proposed to put the land to, prior to sale?

Is its use going to be in line with Jamaica's iconic example of environmentally sustainable tourism, whose flora, beach and extensive reef system need to be rehabilitated, replanted, regenerated, preserved and protected for the people of Jamaica, or ostensibly for the purpose of developers turning that narrow strip of land, (3.4) acres, into a parking lot, for a collection of 170 luxurious three-bedroom villas?

Another concrete eyesore.

When are Jamaica's interests going to be the priority?

Anthony Moyston

Parottee, St Elizabeth

amoyston@gmail.com