The Editor, Sir:

I take strong issue with the way Spanish Ambassador Jesús Silva has framed issues of compliance in the media and believe he ought to exercise more care in his public statements and curb what seems to be arrogance based on his country's wealth.

It sounds like Mr. Silva is saying that Jamaican laws should not apply to the Spanish developers and we should look by while they break our country's laws. The ambassador and the companies from his country need to look themselves squarely in the mirror in reflection on the above statement. Does this so-called 'spirit of partnership' include breaking the laws of the country where you have been welcomed to do business and in which you claim to be so enthusiastic about investing?

Shoddy compliance record

Do the Spanish understand that the law-abiding segment of the Jamaican people (which is the majority) is not going to just sit back while developers flout our laws? Do they understand that some of us are well aware of the shoddy compliance record of some of these same companies as they have developed resorts in Mexico, Dominican Republic and elsewhere, and that they are under a microscope for this very reason? Do they understand that a law is a law for a reason; for the protection of the people, the country as a whole (including about three million Jamaicans living abroad) and for proper stewardship of our natural patrimony?

Breach after breach

How do you think it feels to those who actually abide by the laws (developers included) when they watch the Spanish get away with breach after breach, and maybe get their wrist slapped, if that? What kind of message is conveyed when they are not held to account? Now finally, some brave and conscientious local government authorities are doing the right thing by demanding compliance and acting within their right and responsibility to enforce the laws on behalf of the people.

The Spanish should stop complaining and play by the rules. Otherwise, pack up your 'toys' (your wallet) and go home. Jamaica doesn't want your investment if it comes with a stipulation of carte blanche illegal activities of any sort. We have enough of that to contend with in our country as it is and, Mr. Ambassador, 'talking' isn't enough.

I am, etc.,

E.H. GRENNAN

Kingston 10