Is this for real, UDC?

Friday, December 16, 2011

Dear Editor,

I recently returned to my hometown of Ocho Rios and heard some quite disheartening news: the UDC is selling some of our last pristine shoreline available for locals to enjoy in this area.

I refer specifically to the beautiful coastal hillside land with waterfalls beach directly across from Mystic Mountain Park, which was recently developed in harmony with the natural flora, fauna and habitat of the land. I saw in an advertisement during the last week in November that the "commercial" property had been advertised for sale. It also noted that sealed proposals should be submitted no later than December 9, 2011; this deadline has now been extended to December 23, 2011.

My question is, why the haste to dispose of this unspoilt strip of narrow coastline, which should be preserved and protected as a piece of Jamaica's natural herritage, being offered without even being mentioned in UDC's newly presented develoment plan which has it as open green space? Should it not be held in trust for future generations to enjoy, rather than add to the concrete jungle being thrust upon us, especially given its location? If UDC is so anxious to dispose of our last public spaces, why not auction the park in the centre of our town to the highest bidder to put up a casino, another shopping centre or hotel?

Are the residents of Ocho Rios and the people of Jamaica going to be once again deprived of what is naturally theirs without some say? We are in high election mode, Christmas will be two days away when this last offer for sale will expire. What is the rush? With Parliament dissolved, under what authority does the UDC act? Why the sudden decision to sell the land that I understand Mystic Mountain has been trying for years to lease from UDC so as to preserve and protect the natural environment as it has done across the street, and how can this sale legitimately take place between now and the formation of the new government? Given the recent controversies surrounding the disposal of UDC properties, would it not be prudent to have the contractor general have a closer look at this too?

Anthony Moyston

Parottee, St Elizabeth

amoyston@gmail.com