This is an open letter to Prime Minister Andrew Holness:

Dear Editor,

I do not understand politicians’ logics or way of thinking, Mr Prime Minister.

There are so many miles of roads, bridges and government buildings in Jamaica that are in disrepair. Have you ever travelled to Italy, Sir? If not, and if you ever do so, please take a trip and visit the old Roman roads and aqueducts that were built to benefit their populations thousands of years ago, and they even contribute to their economy today for hundreds of thousands of tourists visit Italy each year to see these relics. Some of these roads and buildings are still in use today.

None of these were built by the Chinese; most were built by Romans, the Roman army. When the Roman armies were not at war they were put to work on these projects.

Mr Prime Minister, Jamaica has thousands of soldiers and trained and qualified engineers. Why are their skills and labour not employed by the Government to and build and repair roads?

The Government is paying a private soldier a minimum of $60,000 per month to do absolutely nothing. If my calculations are correct that is a wage bill of $3.6 billion per year at the lowest approximation.

Mr Prime Minister, look at the disaster which could have been avoided when the road collapsed in Lawrence Tavern this August and the economic hardships that the people in that community and others have to be putting up with because inept people were put in charge to fix the road before it finally got worse and collapsed.

The members of the Jamaica Defence Force could also be employed to replace old water pipes which are causing precious and desperately needed water to be wasted.

Yes, do continue to employ the skills, professionalism and discipline of the Chinese, for they are a far superior option rather than many of these ‘eat-a-food’, time-wasting, unprofessional local road contractors that we have here. But look to the soldiers for support.

Mr Prime Minister, you have educated, trained and healthy resources — the men and women who make up the Jamaica Defence Force — put them to good use. Let us make maximum use of their capabilities.

Donovan Brown

s_corpio77@outlook.com