THE EDITOR, Sir:

This is an open letter to the Prime Minister.

Dear Prime Minister,

As a concerned Jamaican, I suggest that you consider merging the Ministry of Development and Planning with the subject of environment. The Ministry of Health is already too big a ministry to be joined with the subject of environment. In this global environment, every country is placing emphasis on the subject of environment as it impacts on almost every aspect of life. I am sure that Cabinet is not aware of the varied responsibilities of the Ministry of Environment. It is also obvious that the health portfolio overshadows that of the ministry of environment. Joining the Ministries of Planning and the Environment would not incur greater costs as the minister with responsibility for planning is already a full minister.

I have to point out that the developers will soon be disgusted with the slow pace at which service is obtained from the Environment Ministry as the Honourable Minister, Mr. Rudyard Spencer, clearly will not be able to deliver the services to the public relating to the environment, in real time. The Ministries of Agriculture, Health and Education do not need annex ministries, as their responsibilities are already too great.

Another matter of importance: I suggest that the Government, in consultation with the Opposition, decide on a workable combination for the naming and merging of ministries as it is extremely costly and a grand waste of time to be changing ministries from time to time. Fix them once and for all.

Honourable Prime Minister, why is there a Ministry of Housing and Water and Government that does not provide houses? And is not water a natural resource. Think on these things.

Remember 100 days is just around the corner.

I am etc.,

CONCERNED JAMAICAN