THE EDITOR, Sir:
OUR COUNTRY has so many problems and depressing issues that must be carefully attended to, if we should become a better nation. Problems like, high levels of unemployment, insufficient facilities for youth and children, low values and attitudes of our people, poor health amenities, and, of course crime and violence and financial instability.
In light of all this, can any level-headed, rational thinking individual comprehend why our country, in association with a few companies, is taking on an over $200 million project to reconstruct the Hope Gardens and Zoo? Is such a venture necessary at this time? How will this movement help to solve any of our problems? Furthermore, on our list of things to do as a nation, is this the most pressing and detrimental?
It is not encouraging to live and contribute in a country that sees aesthetics as more important than people and life. Without people and their development, the Hope Gardens and Zoo, and by extension Jamaica, will never be a better place. Isn't it ironic to think that money which could be used to house people is being used to house animals and flowers? We are not like first world nations that can spend millions on beautification projects and still have even more to spend on our people. So let's not fool ourselves.
I implore our leaders to be more cognisant of the needs of our people and to be considerate of same at all times. Let us employ a little more vision when making plans for the country. After all, a country without gardens and zoos is a country nonetheless. A country without progressive people is nothing.
I am, etc.,
M. LLOYD O'CONNOR
National Youth Council of Jamaica
Montego Bay
Via Go-Jamaica
