New Parliament building not a priority

THE EDITOR, Sir:

A new Parliament building, at this time, is not deserved and should be relatively low on the scale of national priorities. A new Parliament building is a very costly and cosmetic venture and, moreover, the current one has, thus far, served the country well.

Gordon House has become 'Cuss House Central' and there has been too much corruption and/or mismanagement of public-sector bodies.

At the same time, Jamaicans continue to be hit hard at the pumps every day; many police stations are ramshackle; the Gun Court and Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre are in a deplorable state; fire stations are badly in need of repair and firefighting equipment; public hospitals face daily challenges, including a shortage of beds, life-saving medical equipment and, at times, an adequate supply of water; and public schools require proper security and supplies.

It's a matter of principles, priorities and fiscal management. These social and infrastructural problems need to be fixed, first and foremost, before erecting a new Parliament building.

PATRICK GALLIMORE

Kingston