THE EDITOR, Sir:OF THE many problems with which Jamaica is now facing, crime and transport seem to be jostling each other for priority. For the psychological and adverse social conditions created by crimes, I would give transport priority.
On nearly every avenue, street, lane and roadway in our country, traffic snarls and traffic jams dominate. The straightening of curves, widening of roadways and creating one-way drives are commendable, but these efforts to ease traffic problems are only palliatives that cannot and will not correct congestion on our roads.
It is quite obvious that the satisfactory answer to the problems will be the reopening of the railway system. If and when this is done, members of the travelling public would leave their vehicles at home and travel by bus to and from railway stations.
Merchandise for shops and stores could be shipped from Kingston, in particular, to the respective railway station from where it would be collected for inter-parish deliveries.
During World War II, when gasolene was rationed, Williamsfield Railway Station was the hub of receivables for deliveries in the parishes of Manchester, Clarendon, and St. Elizabeth by trucks from the respective parish.
The re-establishment of the railway system is so important to the future development of our nation that thoughts should be given to granting to prospective entrepreneurs a moratorium of five -10 years for the commencement of the payment of taxes and levies.
It is noteworthy that quite recently, it was reported in The Gleaner that Trinidad and Tobago will be establishing a railway system, which indicates clearly that railways are indispensable in developing countries.
I am, etc.,
LESLIE R. MITCHELL
Apartment 15, Millsborough Meadow
1A Millsborough Avenue, Kingston 6
