The Editor, Sir:

I would like to challenge your editorial of Saturday, February 3, titled 'All-inclusives not the problem'. Yes, they are in themselves a problem and certainly not just wiping out the small properties!

The facts are that these new mega resorts springing up like mushrooms along the Jamaican coastline are basically concrete eyesores!

Jamaica is a small island with a delicate ecosystem which is already under terrific pressure! We do not have the infrastructure to cope with these mega resorts especially in terms of solid waste, proper sewerage, and most likely water, electricity, fire and health services.

I can well imagine Jamaica sinking under the weight of its solid waste which is already so deficient in its management, while affecting negatively all the communities nearby the landfills.

Consider health issues

Is it not time to consider the health of the people in these communities? To consider the seepage of pollutants into the water table? Are we really ready to risk all for more 1,500 rooms plus hotels, whether all-inclusive or not?

The world has just woken up to the fact that we humans are destroying this planet with our consumption, our emissions, and our abuse of the environment.

On these grounds alone, I would definitely suggest that a moratorium be imposed on any large, concentrated construction (more than three floors) especially on the coastline, for a minimum of five years!

Now, as for as the small hotels, whether European Plan or otherwise, yes they do suffer from the ridiculously-low rates given by these mega resorts.

As a matter of fact, these low, low rates are devaluing the Jamaican tourism product, affecting not only the smaller hotels but also our midsized, home-grown all-inclusive chains.

I am, etc.,

SYLVIE GRIZZLE

Charela Inn

Negril,Westmoreland