THE EDITOR, Sir:

I applaud the Government, any government, for having the vision to seek out new approaches and modalities in attempting to address the myriad challenges we face as a growing nation. I am, however, puzzled that it took us spending all of US$2.8 million (J$252 million at today's rates) to learn that, according to Energy Minister Phillip Paulwell, the liquefied natural gas (LNG) project is not feasible!

My problem with all this is, had these politicians been running their own businesses, would they be prepared to expend all those resources to come up with such results? I think not.

Over and over we see this trend in Jamaica where one government starts a project with significant outlay of public funds (usually borrowed money), only to see a succeeding administration shelve or abandon it, with little regard for the expenditures already incurred. And we wonder why we are carrying such a burdensome debt load with little to show for it?

We must demand an immediate accounting and disclosure to the nation of the J$252-million expenditure on this LNG project. Nothing less will suffice.

When I think of the number of rural roads that could be fixed, toilets that could be placed in rural schools to expose children to 20th-century sanitary conveniences, or school furniture that could be repaired in order to provide basic comfort to our children in the learning environment, it pains my heart deeply.

But what hurts even more is that these same children will be forced to help repay this borrowed money later, despite not enjoying any benefit from its expenditure.

CARL BLISS

cabliss@flowja.com