Dear Editor,

I’m concerned about the plans announced by the Bruce Golding administration to move the present army facilities at Up Park Camp to lands in Caymanas. Once again, we see another seemingly hasty move by the JLP Government. Jamaica is not getting too far ahead in terms of development, because of many of these hasty decisions. The Opposition leader summed it up wisely when she was quoted as saying: “I am not saying we are opposing yet. I am saying we would love to have the discussions on that. There are security concerns that just jump out at me immediately, and other concerns in terms of our history and the preservation of our heritage sites.”

I have to agree with the Opposition leader. One must consider logistics, in terms of security, ease of access to quickly respond to emergencies in highly populated areas such as Kingston, Jamaica’s largest city. The army base is also a heritage site, as pointed out by Mrs Simpson Miller. We know the army’s function has surpassed that of protecting the country from an invasion; it has played critical roles in emergencies, nationally and internationally. For instance, it was one of the first groups to respond to the earthquake in Haiti.

While I do believe the lands at the current HQ are extensive, perhaps some compromise would be far more beneficial. Instead of moving the entire base, why not downsize the HQ, freeing up lands for other development and create a smaller support base (if needed) at Caymanas? This could also enhance security in the crime-prone Spanish Town area. We could then have lands for other development projects, such as the proposed expansion of Bustamante Children’s Hospital. The Tom Redcam zone also houses other prominent sites, such as the library, the Edna Manley School, the National Stadium and Arena. The Police HQ is also located in this area, so an army base is quite within reason.

If we’re looking to revitalise, has anyone looked at the vast empty lands at King’s House? There are also many areas decaying in downtown Kingston and elsewhere with potential to be developed.

As Colonel Daley pointed out in your paper recently, efforts should be made to restore the Newcastle army base. The area, built in the 19th century, is also historical and functional.

Let’s expand our vision and not hastily get rid of what’s truly our national treasures.

P Chin

Canada

chin_p@yahoo.com