THE RECENT public statements by the prime minister and other members of the Government regarding the slow pace of approvals for development have been followed by a deafening silence as to the action to be taken to correct this crippling malaise.

It could be assumed that those responsible for approvals must be deriving considerable personal benefit from the delays through an unseen agenda, in opposition to the publicly stated policy of the Government which aims to grant approvals within 90 days.

Transparency

The only sure means by which the approval process can be expedited is to establish a policy of transparency and openness which will enable full public access to the status of all applications for development and construction approvals. The gaze of public scrutiny is a known cure for an inefficient bureaucracy.

Conversely, secrecy and unnecessary confidentiality breeds corrupt and illegal practices even up to the highest levels.

These experiences are by no means unique to Jamaica, and most developed societies have been through similar phases in their history. We do not have to repeat these mistakes but, rather, our aim should be to leapfrog our development process into 21st century viability. Our people are in dire need of faster progress and the public would offer the Government full support for achieving the 90-day objective.

Our Government must act decisively to achieve this without any further delay.

I am, etc.,

A Concerned Citizen