Letters

Stating the facts

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Your publication of March 20, 2005 under the headline "Canal Finally Being Cleaned", incorrectly stated that the drain from Newlands road to Westchester was finally being cleaned, after two years of complaints by citizens.

The facts are that this drain was cleaned just a year ago at a cost of two million dollars ($2M). Three months after it was cleaned, it appeared that it had not been touched, because of the extremely shabby work done.

As Mayor, I was ashamed of the poor quality of work and as a direct result, the Council instituted a different policy for the selection of contractors to do major work. There is now a contracts committee which I chair to ensure competitiveness, transparency and accountability, for projects over a certain amount.

It is this process that is responsible for this drain being done in such an excellent manner, and the taxpayer can be assured that there was value for money.

Your reporter also erred when in an article the week before, March 13, he wrote about a walk-out at a Council meeting during the debate on Highway 2000. One man became boisterous and was ordered out of the gallery. The bulk of the persons attending left when there was a brief recess to allow persons who came for the debate to leave, so the other business of the Council could continue.

Your reporter was out of the room at that time. We can only ask that your representative strives to be accurate and balanced.

I am, etc.,

MAYOR GEORGE LEE

Portmore Municipal Council