LETTER OF THE DAY - Why the quickfire sale?

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I have read with interest the most recent development regarding the proposed sale of the Belmont property in St Ann, directly across from the entrance to The Mystic Mountain park and to the east of Dolphin Cove, and now see that it is the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) that is proceeding to dispose of the property.

In a letter to this paper recently, I mentioned that just prior to the polls in December, I had highlighted the speed with which the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) was moving to dispose of some of the country's most valuable ecological coastline assets, with an indecent haste and lack of transparency.

Now it is being given some justification that the sale may proceed under the DBJ, "handling the tender in its capacity as a provider of advisory services to UDC on divestment".

What is the urgency in the absence of a board at the UDC?

Were the Northern Jamaica Conservation Association, St Ann Parish Development Committee, St Ann Chamber of Commerce or St Ann Social Development Commission consulted for their input?

In the most recent commentary on the sale, the DBJ has stated that it is not at liberty to disclose the valuation during the public tender process. This is understandably so, of the financial offer, but what of the other equally or more important considerations, such as its use?

Why the secrecy?

Is its use going to be in line with Jamaica's iconic example of environmentally sustainable tourism, whose flora, beach, and extensive reef system need to be rehabilitated, replanted, regenerated, preserved, and protected for the people of Jamaica? Or will it be for the purpose of developers turning that narrow strip of land into a parking lot, or for a collection of 170 luxurious three-bedroom villas?

Will it be another concrete eyesore, the Costa del Sol of Xaymaca?

Why is the public not being allowed to have knowledge of what use the tenders have proposed to put the land to, prior to sale?

When are Jamaica's interests going to be the priority?

ANTHONY MOYSTON

amoyston@gmail.com

Parottee, St Elizabeth