Dear Editor,

In recent weeks, Jamaicans learned just how much they’ll be dishing out as a nation for our expenses. The Government presented a budget of $710 billion for the fiscal year 2017-2018. Of this $710 billion it is expected that $225 billion will go to capital spending while the remaining $485 million will be for housekeeping affairs such as debt repayment.

These figures appear quite conventional until one sees the money allocated to the governor general (GG). What’s shocking is that the country is expected to foot a $236-million bill for the GG as it was reported that he is in need of a new vehicle as well as an elevator at his official residence, King’s House.

Jamaicans were informed that the elevator will cost approximately $40 million. This poses the question: why is $40 million necessary for an elevator? Shall we talk about the demand for a new car?

Where is our dear GG going, what is he doing, and how often does he go out? Why should the nation be forced to buy a new vehicle for him?

The reality is that the average Jamaican only sees Sir Patrick Allen an average of six times per year. He is seen on our televisions at the opening of Parliament where he delivers the Throne Speech, on Heroes’ Day, Emancipation and Independence days, and at Christmas and New Year.

So what exactly does the GG do for the other 359 days of the year? I mean, surely the nation deserves to know.

Just stop and think for a minute how much we could do with $236 million as a nation. Here are some suggestions:

• Pump more money into the crime plan.

• Fix the vents at Cornwall Regional Hospital.

• Invest some more money into education.

• Invest in low-income housing for this fiscal year — since no money was allocated for this.

Here is the real sad note; even when the GG retires we will still be paying him. King’s House has said that “upon retirement, the governor general is entitled to a pension equal to his salary as well as either accommodation in a government-owned house or housing allowance”.

The nation will also foot the bill for the GG’s secretary, household helper and gardener. Clearly, keeping the governor general is not in the best interest of Jamaica. Now is the time we should follow our neighbours in Trinidad and do away with this costly office.

Sasha Rowe

Final year journalism student at NCU

sasharowe15@gmail.com