THE EDITOR, Sir:

I WOULD like to encourage the Jamaican Institute of Architects and Planners to develop a programme for the redevelopment of Kingston - a master plan which can be used to develop a cohesive urban environment.

The recent calls for a new Parliament building should be the catalyst for this activity, because the Parliament is the building that houses the political will of the country, and the political will should represent the collective will of all Jamaicans.

So far, our planning abilities have been limited to the expansion/improvement of the nationwide highway infrastructure. The planning needs to incorporate economic development and creation of opportunity for real social, economic and industrial wealth. A new Parliament building should not only serve an administrative function, but should be the embodiment of our aspirations and who we are.

I suggest a competition among Jamaican architects worldwide be undertaken to develop such a plan.

Let us hear from the JIA. We can demonstrate our capacity for development and hopefully join others on the 'Team Jamaica' concept for our future.

I am, etc.,

HUGH M. DUNBAR

hmdenergy@optonline.net

West New York, New Jersey

Via Go-Jamaica