I am again using this media to question the ratification of the use of $300 million of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) for the development of the 'Elegant Corridor' in Montego.

The onus rests on the shoulders of Godfrey Dyer as these funds are not supposed to be used for the erection of street lights. The amount of traffic along the strip or the number of traffic accidents is not a justifiable reason for such an expenditure. The hotels along the strip, Jamaica Public Service and the parish council should be approached to assist with this venture. I know that local government is currently without teeth, but there are ways and means.

We are looking down the muzzle of a serious financial shotgun, and the country should be expending efforts to boost the tourism pro-duct. If the honourable minister and the sentinel of the funds can show where the lighting and the beautification of this roadway will attract thousands of visitors, then I will bow gracefully.

eco-rich areas

I wish to point out that the eco-rich south coast has had many projects on the drawing board for decades and nothing can get off the ground because there is no money. There is so much that $300 million could do on the south coast to attract thousands of eco-hungry tourists. These visitors would not just be disembarking and re-embarking their ships. They would be spending money and time scouting around in newly discovered eco-rich areas.

On the other hand, we could invest in heritage sites or something to inject more life into the hoped-for-increased flow of the tourism dollar.

We must all remember that the TEF is the people's money.

I am, etc.,

VERNA GORDON BINNS

theashton@cwjamaica.com

Black River

St Elizabeth