THE EDITOR, Sir:
AS A former resident of Portmore, I really admire the Portmore residents for their resilience in expressing objection to the toll that has been imposed on them as a result of the Portmore leg of Highway 2000. It must not be construed to mean that the Portmore residents do not want good roads on which to drive. My interpretation is that they are saying that they have paid and continue to pay several taxes in this country that should at least afford them good roads on which to drive, but instead, the resources of this country have been wasted in a myriad of ways by those who are entrusted with it.
I was amazed at a pronouncement made by the Hon. Robert Pickersgill the other day, that there are no roads in Jamaica that can be compared with that of the toll roads. I think such an assertion is an indictment on the Government of Jamaica, particularly one which has been in power for over 15 years.
To have expressed their disapproval against the construction of a toll road by way of protest, a legal showdown, and now a boycott, they have clearly demonstrated that people in this country will stand up for what they believe in. Despite what the outcome might be, I think these residents have set a real good example for the rest of Jamaica to see, particularly the manner in which they executed their plan every step of the way.
I am of the fervent belief that if it wasn't for the action of the Portmore residents, the current toll rate would have been much higher. However, I think the people of Portmore must accept the fact that they will not win against Government, at least not on this issue and so their objective at this time should be trying to arrive at a compromise. From what I have gleaned from both the printed and electronic media as well as during my interaction with some residents, I have not heard or seen any real emphasis being placed on the fact that not only a low toll rate is accepted, but most importantly, that an agreement is arrived at that the rate cannot be increased within a given period. This is something to be visited.
I am, etc.,
MORTIMER SPENCER
evemortspen @ yahoo.com
