Dear Editor,

The ridiculous practice whereby new Jamaican governments, for seemingly selfish, cultist reasons, discontinue work set in motion by a previous government, just cannot continue beyond this our 50th year of Independence. That is just too expensive for this bankrupt nation.

As I drove recently through East Rural St Andrew, reality once again struck as I saw the proliferation of dangerous breakaways and the myriad potholes on some of the narrowest and most dangerous corridors in the country. Yet every few miles there were JDIP signs outlining the retaining walls and other remedial works which had been started over a year ago but which were stopped by the new government.

Yes, we all want to know how the JDIP funds were spent, and where applicable we want to see some people go to jail if they stole or misappropriated those funds which the next generation has to pay back. But surely, stopping critical rehabilitation of the infrastructure is unnecessary, especially in a country where the most basic audits take forever.

What we have to consider too is the fact that when you stop work such as this, to start it back becomes extremely expensive as all sorts of additional damage is done in the interim which has to be corrected. The practice of stopping work started by a previous administration has been holding back Jamaica for decades, and if we start the next 50 years of our failed Independence with such decadent policies, the deterioration in the country will only escalate.

And on another matter, I hope young Damion Crawford – the MP – has plans to reopen Chestervale Youth Camp to give badly needed training, especially to those of our youth at risk. This fully furnished facility has been closed for a long time and is racking up millions of dollars in security costs while young people perish.

Joan Williams

gratestj@gmail.com