THE EDITOR, Sir:

I read, with much amazement, the article in your newspaper titled 'Gov't shells out $60 million for ministers' new vehicles' and wonder what are the serious priorities for the Government of the day.

How can we be spending on what appears to be ostentatious living of our politicians at a time when there are so many critical infrastructural and other national matters to deal with, and the resources are lacking so to do?

No sane person would object to ensuring the mobility of our political leaders. They were elected to carry out the business of the country, and mobility is essential if they are going to be effective.

But really now, what is the justification for this level of spending? Is this level of spending a justified return on investment for the Jamaican taxpayers, most of whom are struggling to survive? As managers of the affairs of this country, can our revenues really justify this level of spending on motor vehicles?

We just need to step outdoors and the visibility of the national need is glaring. While we contend that the resources are not adequate to deal with everything right now, we are not prepared to see the few resources wasted indiscriminately.

Our Government of the day prides itself in saying it is "for the people", but can I ask, when this thought of purchasing motor vehicles for the ministers germinated, were the people consulted to determine the priorities of the country at this time?

Politicians spend so much money to do polls to determine party standings and popularity, but critical issues such as spending the scarce resources of the country are seen as non-consultative issues.

We are so expectant of approval from the International Monetary Fund because of the need for serious capital injection to bolster our economy, yet while we hold our breaths in anticipation, we are being prodigal with the little that we have. Sad!

PAT WILLIAMS BIGNALL

wilbig@cwjamaica.com