The Editor, Sir:

I read in The Sunday Gleaner of September 7 a report on the Government's intention to 'relocate the Kingston-based headquarters of the Jamaica Defence to Vernamfield in Clarendon.' Even before more details are provided, there are some questions that should be asked of the Government in respect to this plan.

First and foremost, I believe as Jamaicans, we need to know what the overriding reason for this decision is at this time. In The Sunday Gleaner report, we were provided with several reasons, including the freeing up of 200 acres of land to be used in the plans for the redevelopment of downtown Kingston. These are lands, we were advised, that would be used for residential housing. "We need more open space where the residents of the city can live and come together," PM Golding is reported to have said.

Reasons for relocation

We have also been advised that this relocation was to facilitate the establishment of a "proper air wing for the JDF, which would be able to accommodate the landing and take-off of fixed-wing aircraft". Added to the list was the all-enticing reason, "relocating would help boost the security of the proposed Vernamfield airport".

In respect to freeing up lands to put up residential houses, one must ask if there are no other available, suitable lands for such a purpose. What about King's House, Jamaica House and Vale Royal lands?

Furthermore, one is not sure what is meant by the 'establishment of a proper air wing for the JDF, which would be able to facilitate the landing and take-off of fixed-wing aircraft". What really is wrong with the existing arrangement with the fixed-wing element operating from Norman Manley International? How many fixed-wing aircraft does the JDF boast at present and what are the expansion plans and the timetable for such expansion plans? What is this to cost our country? Can we afford it and is it necessary?

Office complex

Where does it logically follow that a military base/garrison 'boosts' the security of any area? Up Park Camp certainly has not had that sort of an impact on the communities surrounding it. In addition, I sincerely hope that the planners of this relocation understand that they are not relocating an office complex, but an entire community.

My father taught me always to be sceptical of illogical political plans. So, I would like to be told who the developers of this plan are so I can ask them if I could be given the first option to purchase those beautiful and historic married officers' quarters buildings along with the Red Fence Detention Quarters?

Of course, I need the Red Fence to lock away politicians who could conceive of such a plan to give away such an important piece of our heritage!

I am, etc.,

Col ALLAN DOUGLAS

alldouglas@aol.com

Miami, Florida