Dear Editor,

I am disturbed by the government’s announcement that the Jamaica Defence Force is to be relocated. With limited dollars, to what extent is this a priority or even a necessity? Up Park Camp is a historical site of significance. Does the government hold nothing sacred about our history?

From a security perspective, removal also seems to be a disaster. Up Park Camp’s strategic location is for very specific military reasons. I get the sense that from one administration to the next, Jamaicans are being subjected to one grand project of economic prostitution for the benefit of a few, but to the detriment of many. We only have to look at Falmouth to see how they have destroyed the historical relevance of that town in favour of so-called development of the tourism sector and the cruise ship industry, leaving a trail of garbage in its wake.

Who gave them the right to make that decision? Where were the funds allocated from? With all the debate about revising the budget and telling us that we have to curb our spending, the government needs to practise what it preaches. Preserving history is the right and honourable thing to do. Leave the JDF to do its job.

Rebekah Lawrence

navelstring@gmail.com