Dear Editor,

I read with interest the call by the president of the of the People’s National Party and leader of the Opposition, Peter Phillips, to re-establish the very successful Office of National Reconstruction (ONR) which was created as a response to the devastation of Hurricane Ivan in 2004.

The ONR built over 400 houses, repaired 700 schools and numerous other public institutions such as police stations and there was no outcry of political tribalism or partisanship. I wonder if the person who was appointed by former Prime Minister PJ Patterson to lead that organisation would be available to assist at this time? I am aware he is now in the private sector but still serves on a number of Government boards.

The ONR’s success was because of his leadership and the entity’s ability to cut through red tape and bring together various enabling agencies and Government departments to respond quickly to the needs of damaged communities. Billions of Jamaican dollars were spent and not a murmur of political tribalism or misappropriation.

I doubt they will ask for the then CEO of the ONR as recently he was found guilty of an offence simply because in 2011 he filed a response to questions from the Office of the Contractor General a mere six days late. Clearly, a high crime.

He paid the fine of $5,000 and appealed the decision. The Honourable Danville Walker continues to serve and although he is most likely unavailable to serve in any reconstruction efforts, at least he is still making a valuable contribution.

Elliott Penn

Kingston