Dear Editor,

The decision to construct a new parliament building in Kingston sounds like a great project for the capital city. I hope it provides opportunities for local architects, who we were recently told had to leave Jamaica to get work.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness speaks regularly of the future, but what does this future hold for the development of the other parishes? Why not build some government offices in the other parishes? With modern communication systems available, what is preventing this geographical diversification of government offices?

Each parish should get a piece of the financial pie and that would foster development. Having all the government offices concentrated in Kingston and St Andrew is an acknowledgement that the other parishes nuh ready. They have been neglected over the years. This must change.

Members of parliament (MPs) from both political sides must stand up for their parishes and demand this kind of recognition and improvement, and not just be satisfied with the measly local development fund allocations.

It is time the Government, the parish councils and MPs advocate and work for their parishes’ development, and not just their party.

Norman Lee

Brampton, Ontario

namronlee@rogers.com