SaveHopeGardens - Objection to the NRCA

I would like to join those who have recorded their objection to this development. I am aware of the fact that the deadline for the receipt of submissions was December 25, but I am also aware that this was not a normal working day in Jamaica and assume that a submission received in time for the closest working day is also acceptable.

There are several grounds on which the proposed development should be stopped. I believe that these include the fact that we will once again be reducing the rapidly declining green space available to the residents of our capital city. Indeed we will be doing so in one of places explicitly designated as a Public Open Space.

At a time when most metropolitan regions are attempting to protect and expand their green spaces, we seem to be determined to limit ours. In doing so we are ignoring the wealth of research which demonstrates clearly that there are not only ecological benefits to be derived, but also that the mental health of us humans is similarly benefitted.

Furthermore this development is planned for an area of important historical and cultural significance (using the term cultural in its fullest sense). I believe we would be better served by securing the resources necessary to make more appropriate use of this heritage and resource, as is exemplified by plans developed the Superintendent of Hope Gardens and associated non-governmental organizations.

I am also aware of the fact that several persons have expressed reservations about the EIA which has been done for this development, suggesting that it is fundamentally flawed.

For all of these reasons, I believe that this development should not be allowed to proceed.

Yours respectfully

Peta-Anne Baker
Lecturer,
Dept. of Sociology & Social Work (on leave)

Dec 27, 1999