Dear Editor,

Congratulations to the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), led by Mayor Andrew Swaby, for a well-planned and executed tree lighting ceremony. The mayor was ably assisted by Joan Gordon-Webley and many others who transformed the previously dingy space into a comfortable area.

However, we see reports, and quite rightly so, of Mayor Swaby bemoaning the ill use of St William Grant and Nelson Mandela parks by citizens who defecate and urinate outside the provided sanitary conveniences. These are instances to be treated with utter disgust, the culprits dragged before the municipal courts and shamed, with harsh penalties of community service, possibly including cleaning up the same space they treated disgracefully.

The mayor should also turn his attention to Manor Park, which has no park but sufficient green space to establish one, if desired, after the debacle of the demolition of the original market. In this situation, the people have no choice, as the authorities have failed to provide any amenities in the space in which they gather. Ground provisions, other foodstuffs, and even haberdashery items are being sold in an area with no sanitary convenience.

Responding to my question about the lack of sanitary facilities, a vendor said the men use the gully and the women depend on KFC.

This clearly shows that when it comes to the masses the authorities aren’t concerned. How they were removed from the market, paid an inconsiderate sum, and miscalculatedly expected to disappear remains a callous injustice, evidenced by the expanse of underutilised land that, with some empathy, could have resulted in a development that was inclusive of the previous occupiers.

More than a pet peeve for me, it should be a haunting reminder to the minister whose daily commute takes him past this monument that also reminds us that governance is not always for the people. It is a widely held view that somewhere it is hoped that the passage of time will soften the impact of an announcement that invariably benefited favoured people rather than the many that were displaced.

R Nunes

ralstonnunes@gmail.com