THE EDITOR, Sir:
AS A family we go to the Denbigh Agricultural Show every year. The fruits, vegetables, trees, flowers, animals and farming methods on display, were always of the highest quality. A family group of us visited the recent show after a ten-year absence. We were again amazed at the quality of the displays, and all felt very proud of the 'First World' standard of the exhibits we visited. The organisation and management of the show however, still remains 'Third World'.
Why? We journeyed from Kingston and used the beautiful Highway 2000, the bypass road, but drove past the exit to the show, as there were no road signs. We were forced to approach the venue from the west. On reaching the entrance of the show grounds, we were detoured by the police through 'roads' only suitable for cross-country vehicles.
When we eventually reached the official car park, we had to remove several glass bottles and discarded barbed wire before we could park; and the pedestrian entrance to the show grounds, took us into a maze of cars and vans parked behind the parish pavilions, open drains and gutters.
It seemed that every pavilion or display booth was allowed to park several vehicles beside and around the walking areas in between.
The $20.00 paid to use the public toilets was not worth 10c. Despite all this we once again came to the conclusion that it was worth the effort and the inconveniences experienced.
In Jamaica there really should be no poverty, based on the abundance of natural resources and the greatness of our people. If only we could have some leadership, a bit of management, and more discipline.
I am, etc.,
JOHN A. ULETT
ulee@cwjamaica.com
