THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE HIGH profile of Kingston's Mayor and the transparency of his activities have allowed many of us to see him as being among the hardest-working of public servants. Within hours of the onset of the recent deluge he was all over the Corporate Area checking on the plight of the people. On the other hand, it was not until days later after the rains held up and some passages made clear that we saw the Prime Minister, the Minister of Local Government and their entourage commiserating with victims and inspecting the damage caused largely by lack of vision and years of neglect.
The Corporate Area covers several square miles, divided into many constituencies, some of which are represented by members of the powerful Cabinet.
SEVERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
There is only one mayor and he has administrative responsibility for maintaining the drainage system, the public markets, sanitation, street lighting, public health, poor relief, the beauty of the city, road usage and repair, etc., etc. His budget is relatively miniscule, his staff inadequate; and his councillors are part-time representatives. Still, he has managed to accomplish more in one year than did his predecessor in ten. For this he must be justly recognised.
Some people may sometimes have a problem with the Mayor's attitudes, but none should question his commitment to high standards and his intensive effort to do the right things for the capital city and its inhabitants. He deserves the widest support, the highest regard and the deepest appreciation.
I am, etc.,
KEN JONES
allerdyce@hotmail.com
