Dear Editor,
It is without a doubt that whenever on the outside, looking in, the grass appears greener. Hypocritically so I presumed.
While in Opposition, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) gained much traction and favourability while insisting that the protected environmental areas of Jamaica must be preserved and left untouched, as opined and vigorously debated by the Jamaica Environment Trust. Moving forward, the same JLP, this time with a huge smile and shiny dollar sign eyes, boldly declared that they are moving steadfast with the agreement of a logistics hub.
The Government is now dismissing the fact that many conscious Jamaicans saw the construction of a logistics hub by the Chinese on Goat Islands as a shot in the foot of our sovereignty, and also a great threat to our environment. We have seen that the Chinese engineering, while magnificent, leaves little to be desired when it comes to environmental consciousness and safe-keeping.
Do our politicians make promises and insightful reasonings only when in Opposition? Is this the same JLP that was vocal in the need to dialogue with and proceed with policies of great effects only with the approval of the populace? Where did the JLP go wrong after just a measly eight months in power? Where is the JLP that promised a voice to the “articulate minority”?
Indeed, development is welcome, but at what cost? Arguments were raised by The National Environment and Planning Agency, the Diaspora, and yes, the then Opposition JLP.
According to the United Nations Development Programme, Jamaica has suffered tremendous economic losses due to environmental factors such as climate change. Will this logistics hub be coal-powered?
We must respect the laws and will of the Jamaican people. If needs be, do a referendum. No need for another venture which will likely protect the big corporations from taxations while sucking the life out of the common citizens and their natural resources and providing little to no real benefits to the common man.
Zavier Simpson
zavier_simpson@hotmail.com
It is without a doubt that whenever on the outside, looking in, the grass appears greener. Hypocritically so I presumed.
While in Opposition, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) gained much traction and favourability while insisting that the protected environmental areas of Jamaica must be preserved and left untouched, as opined and vigorously debated by the Jamaica Environment Trust. Moving forward, the same JLP, this time with a huge smile and shiny dollar sign eyes, boldly declared that they are moving steadfast with the agreement of a logistics hub.
The Government is now dismissing the fact that many conscious Jamaicans saw the construction of a logistics hub by the Chinese on Goat Islands as a shot in the foot of our sovereignty, and also a great threat to our environment. We have seen that the Chinese engineering, while magnificent, leaves little to be desired when it comes to environmental consciousness and safe-keeping.
Do our politicians make promises and insightful reasonings only when in Opposition? Is this the same JLP that was vocal in the need to dialogue with and proceed with policies of great effects only with the approval of the populace? Where did the JLP go wrong after just a measly eight months in power? Where is the JLP that promised a voice to the “articulate minority”?
Indeed, development is welcome, but at what cost? Arguments were raised by The National Environment and Planning Agency, the Diaspora, and yes, the then Opposition JLP.
According to the United Nations Development Programme, Jamaica has suffered tremendous economic losses due to environmental factors such as climate change. Will this logistics hub be coal-powered?
We must respect the laws and will of the Jamaican people. If needs be, do a referendum. No need for another venture which will likely protect the big corporations from taxations while sucking the life out of the common citizens and their natural resources and providing little to no real benefits to the common man.
Zavier Simpson
zavier_simpson@hotmail.com