Jamaica Gleaner
                   Established 1834


     Now is the right time!
     published: Thursday | April 29, 2004

     THE EDITOR, Sir:

     THE RECENT launch of the 2004 Commonwealth Local Government Handbook, by the Minister of Local Government, Portia Simpson Miller in St. James, is indeed timely, as it deals with the management by City and Parish Councils, their roles and functions.

     On this, my current visit to Jamaica, I would like to point out the somewhat shabby state of affairs as it regards the Wilmot Max Ramsay Square located in Cambridge, St. James.  Cambridge ranks second only to Jamaica's second city, Montego Bay (within the parish of St. James), which is a mere 15 miles away.

     A look at Ramsay Square does give the impression of gross neglect.  The St. James Parish Council and the relevant authorities should play an important role here.  Under the headline: 'Shacks galore', a Cantabrigian, P.M. Clarke, in a letter published in The Daily Gleaner on Saturday, August 15, 1987 observed: "It is noticeable in recent times, and especially since Member of Parliament Hon. Dr. Marco Brown announced major upgrading of the Max Ramsay Square in Cambridge, St. James, that a number of 'shacks' are appearing within the square.  This, if not checked, is going to give the town a bad look...."

     Almost some 17 years later, the constituent's prophetic words resonate.  Obviously, the matter has gotten worse.  Yes, it is true that there have been changes in administrations since then, but successive managers of public affairs, like private ones, need to regulate their affairs.  Remember, first impressions do count!  There needs to be some ordering of the Wilmot Max Ramsay Square and its environs.  The time is now!

I am, etc.,

RENE DUMAS

Reneedumas6@hotmail.com

Gainsville, FL

Via Go-Jamaica

(THE JAMAICA GLEANER -- NOW IS THE RIGHT TIME! -- THURSDAY | APRIL 29, 2004).