Sundoc

17.5.05

Dear [some people]

I have decided to take [agency] to court over the Bahia Principe affair. A reliable source informed me today that [utility provider] is to install a million dollar electricity generator on site for construction purposes. Besides which, the wall is already being built. These are indications that the developers have some assurance that their project will go ahead, regardless of the outcome of the public participation process. Therefore, my clown nose suspects that incentives have been given to relevant persons to ensure that the project goes ahead. It reeks of procedural irregularity to me. Besides, I can argue irrationality, because how can a planning agency go ahead on a project of this size without first considering the results of the study which is to determine cumulative impact of such projects on our natural resources? Thus, I think we have a case for Judicial Review. Folks tell me it will make no difference to the construction of the [certain] hotel, but that is of secondary concern. My primary aim would be to demonstrate that we can use existing laws to hold our government and its agencies accountable, as I learned at the JET workshop in March. And besides, I believe if we really want to stop the construction and force renegotiation of the [certain resort] plans, we could do that, too. I have lots of ideas how we could convince a big hotel chain to cooperate. And the representatives of the company we saw did not seem all that bad anyway.

So, are any of you interested in doing this with me? We have a week before the deadline for public response runs out. I could surely use expert advice, guidance and support. The reason for using me as main complainant would be that I am unknown and a clown besides. It would have a humorous aspect that might protect me from negative personal consequences. However, I am making sure to get my taxes etc. in order before I start this. And I am practising techniques of neighbourly love big time, so that hopefully no-one in my immediate vicinity will get vindictive.

What do you say? If any of you feel very strongly that this course of action would be detrimental to the cause, please let me know. It appears to me however that the authorities engage us in useless rhetoric as a distraction while they proceed as planned anyway. Court action might make them take us more seriously. And we could publicise it to initiate widespread debate over the question of the mis?-management of our resources by the agencies irresponsible. It could become a precedent that might encourage Jamaicans to take a firm stand against this plague of corruption and disrespect from politicians and bureaucrats.

This is not really a joke, although I am anticipating it with some mirth, having never been to court for anything before and seeing many clown possibilities for that kind of thing.

And can anyone help me get a lawyer? Let me know soon, please. I have practically no money, but can try to fundraise as necessary.

So, please let me know what you think and help me, if you can.

Thanks in advance

[now Auntie Brigadier General]

Retired M.D., clown, environmentally concerned citizen of Runaway Bay