WE HAVE seen a new initiative by mayor of Kingston, Desmond McKenzie, to rid the streets of the Corporate Area of illegally parked cars after regular working hours. With this in mind, I am concerned about the future of entertainment in the Capital City of Kingston. I have to wonder if Jamaica's citizens are to remain at home at nights, even on the weekends, as though we are to be prisoners in our own country.
In my opinion, it is highly unreasonable to maintain the same parking laws that apply during the day at night.
It is also very disturbing to know that cars were towed on the Friday night of a holiday weekend, in which case they could not be retrieved until the following Tuesday.
And this being done even though the owners came to move them.
ACCOMMODATE ENTERTAINMENT
I am very supportive of moves to uphold the law. I would, therefore, like to suggest that the parking laws be changed to accommodate entertainment of various kinds.
There can be laws that state no parking between
the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., after which time orderly parking on Kingston's streets can be arranged.
Until these changes are made, there can be some discretion as to the towing of vehicles between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Although it is understood that the law does not sleep, it should be pointed out that the country does not sleep, either.
If these changes are not made, and if this action continues, there will be a very adverse effect on the entertainment industry in a country that is rooted in music and enjoyment.
At a time in our beloved Jamaica when the crime rate is at an all time high, the economy is at an all time low, and hope is nothing but a fleeting illusion, there is a most definite need for places to unwind after the work day has ended.
At a time in our country, when young people like me are fast losing all hope, and the older generation is fast losing its confidence in our leaders, one would believe that the mayor would prove that he is of a higher calibre than the rest and carry out his duties in a most respectable manner without abusing the power accorded him by the people of Kingston and St. Andrew.
TWO QUESTIONS
I would like to ask two questions of the mayor.
Firstly, when you have accomplished your mission of totally destroying entertainment at all levels, what should the law-abiding citizens do for recreation?
Secondly, in the year 2007, when Cricket World Cup comes to our shores bringing with it many U.S. dollar-spending tourists, should it be understood that when the crowds gather for a night or two of fun, as I am sure they will, that you will have the police towing away their rented cars and buses as well?
What exactly are you trying to prove, Mr. Mayor?
I am, etc.,
ANDREW GAUNTLETT
andrewgauntlett@yahoo.com
Kingston 8
Via Go-Jamaica
