The Editor, Sir:

I write regarding your editorial on June 9 titled 'PIOJ and Govt's trek uptown', because I wonder if the emphasis of your article isn't misplaced.

I think most of us accept and appreciate the substantive point you have made about the decay facing downtown Kingston, and that the area does hold tremendous potential to be a viable and thriving business district. We see the point about the wastage of money to cover exorbitant rents on behalf of government ministries and agencies that have fled downtown Kingston. You are right, this is absolutely inexcusable especially bearing in mind the financial crunch facing the nation.

We agree downtown Kingston should be among the most sought after real estate areas in Jamaica, so perhaps we need to be honest about why these and other companies migrate from the downtown area. Is it not because of the uncontrollable crime problems downtown?

Crime enclaves

May I suggest that we focus on addressing the crime enclaves that threaten normality for many including business interests that continue to shell out large sums of money to 'dons' to safeguard their businesses. Agencies like PIOJ that make the trek uptown, midtown or wherever else do it because they are wise enough to know that they cannot continue to operate under the growing crime issues plaguing the nation, and seemingly stifling economic activities in downtown and its immediate environs.

Further, I read Bruce Golding's commendation of the PIOJ's occupation of its new home as an example of self sufficiency to which many more of our public entities should aspire. Whether they manage to achieve this uptown or downtown should not be the benchmark on which they are judged.

I am, etc.,

J.N. LINDSAY

commhertours@yahoo.com