The case for leasing the Trelawny multi-purpose facility to the University of Technology (UTech) is a very easy one to make, especially when it is examined within the context of the urgent need to add to the stock of our educational institutions with a proven track record such as UTech.

The few who are opposed to the idea are suggesting that somehow the placing of an educational environment/facility at the location will contaminate the purist nature of the sporting activities it was intended for; but this is contamination we should all be supporting. It seems to me that if we are serious about moving this country in the right direction, and by this I mean positioning ourselves through investment in quality education, strong human-development initiatives, hallmarks of programmes like UTech's, must be supported.

Prof Errol Morrison's vision of creating a one-stop academic and sporting centre of excellence in the west, in the centre of our tourism economic zone, is the best idea to have come forward from within our academic and government institutions in a very long time.

Add welcome dimension

Contrary to what some people might believe that the stadium was a sitting duck or a big white elephant that Professor Morrison just happens upon, I believe it was always UTech's intention to expand its reach into all corners of the country. The academic programmes, especially its tourism and hospitality training, should add a welcome dimension to the development of the skills in the hospitality industry in the area by providing easy access for students to get involved in the programmes.

I find it amazing that an idea that is so sensible and have the potential to be so beneficial to the country can't seem to find full favour with a government that says it is serious about education and human development.

I am, etc.,

Winston D. Barrett

wdbarrett123@yahoo.com

St Andrew