Parliament at Heroes Park key to rebuilding Kingston
Published:Wednesday | June 12, 2019 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
The Gleaner’s Editorial ‘Build the parliament at King’s House’ on Monday 10 June, 2019 is interesting and perhaps represents new thinking. However, the proposal should be examined but ought not to be pursued for several reasons, including the following:
- Kingston is the capital of Jamaica and the parliament must be located in the capital.
- The present plans to build the new parliament at the National Heroes Park is not new and has been a subject of discussion for decades.
- Kingston has to be rebuilt and most government ministries moved to downtown Kingston. All the ‘towns’ in Kingston are ripe for rebuilding, with parks and playing fields.
- The residence and office of the governor general at King’s House are most appropriate. So, also, is the Office of the Prime Minister on lands adjoining King’s House, in the parish of St Andrew.
- Parliament is the highest and most important legislature, consisting of the governor general, prime minister, members of the Senate, and members of the House of Representatives.
- Parliament is the people’s house and the new building is best located at the selected site, National Heroes Park, the former Race Course in Kingston.
It should be recognised that locating the new parliament building in the National Heroes Park is a very important platform in the rebuilding of the city of Kingston.
ALVARO CASSERLY