Palace misses the boat
published: Thursday | June 8, 2006

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I AM rather disappointed that Melanie Graham, the representative from Palace Amusement would lay the blame for the decline in attendance at her theatres on the 'piracy' bogeyman.

She seems not to consider it a real deterrent to movie goers to have to pay $410 to see the drivel that comes out of Hollywood nowadays.It may also have to do with the fact that persons paid good money for coupons that they are now told can't be redeemed when they go to see the films they want to see. She probably doesn't see it as a problem that the closure of the popular Island Cinema and Harbour View Drive-in would reduce the seating capacity for her company to earn income.

Palace Amusement is just another example of the problems faced by a small island when a monopoly takes over and runs a segment of society. One can readily concede that piracy is a problem in Jamaica, but it is far from the main factor behind the crumbling 'Palace'.

I am, etc.,

ROBERT COLLIE

robbydini@yahoo.com

Kingston