Gordon Robinson | Nation building

I’m impressed with young Matthew Samuda’s approach to governance despite restrictions imposed on him by an incompatible Westminster system.

Mark you this is based on public appearances only because, like Chris Tufton (with whom I’m equally unimpressed), I’ve never met the youth. But his public utterances aren’t as trenchantly tribal as 95% of his parliamentary colleagues (on both sides) and he seems to take his job seriously. He has, in the main, put his head down and worked assiduously to make portfolio matters progress. In summary, Matthew Samuda is the poster boy for a proper system of separation of Powers whereby Cabinet Ministers don’t have to perform political gymnastics at Party rallies but are selected (then vetted by those who are elected) based on talent, skill and expertise.

But that’s not what this rant is about.

Recently, Matthew has been tweeting regular updates on Jamaica’s water situation which should’ve prepared us for the perennial shortage that’s once again here. Nobody who paid attention to his informative updates is surprised at (and shouldn’t be unprepared for) the restrictions and lock-offs once again upon us.

So we knew it was coming. We should be as prepared as possible. But is Government prepared? Has Government paid attention to our history of water storage and distribution neglect? Has Government done anything to alleviate THAT shortage?

Not really. Instead high rise apartments are going up everywhere thus exponentially increasing the need for water in construction and increased occupancy. But not one new significant water storage facility has been built for more than 60 years.

Recently the Industry, Investment and Commerce Ministry issued a “Media Advisory” that more resembled a coming attraction promo at Carib:

“ WHO: Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment & Commerce

WHAT: FirstRock Ground-Breaking Ceremony

WHERE: 8A Brompton Road, Kingston 5.

WHEN: Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

BACKGROUND:

FirstRock Real Estate Investments Limited will host its Ground-Breaking Ceremony for a new Residential Development project, valued at J$2.5 billion .

Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill will participate in the ceremony and deliver the main address.

The ceremony will showcase the historic milestone of the company in the continuously growing real estate industry and continue to play its part in nation through the commencement of the residential development in St. Andrew.

Members of the media are invited to be on location at 8A Brompton Road to provide coverage of the event.”

Can you count how many times star boy Aubyn’s name appeared in the promo? Both times the essential label “Senator the Hon.” was attached. And, just in case media didn’t get the hint from the caption a final sentence emphasized, in bold font, what “media advisory” meant. Ugh.

But not so much attention was placed to one detail in the actual text. Can you spot what my sainted granny would call the “fox pass”? What’s missing from “…play its part in nation through the commencement…”? Shouldn’t yet another “building”, among the many high-rises sprouting up in Miggle and Hupper Sain’ Andrew, be there somewhere?

A friend commented on how easy it is to toss around the words “nation building” for every project and occasion. One Twitter user with the handle “Auds” ( @Prezzi_sahc) connected the dots:

“Minister Samuda the water problems will not be solved even if you’ve invested 30% improvement in water capacity, not when you simultaneously have 50% increase in the need for the commodity with the many new housing developments in Kingston. Make it make sense.”

It doesn’t.

Construction is booming. Great! What’s not booming is Government infrastructure to support a construction boom. This must include new, increased capacity sewage systems. There’s a gigantic four-storey monstrosity somehow permitted to be built practically hard up against the boundary of our gated townhouse community that has forced The Old Ball and Chin to keep the windows to her “girlie room” closed; curtains drawn; and air-conditioner permanently on to the detriment of Matthew Samuda’s earnest efforts to enhance the environment.

During construction she was subject to lewd comments from workers as she gardened because they were able to look directly down at her. Now the plan is to connect the monstrosity’s sewage to and overload our system while its originally promised separate sewage system is constructed. So we shall literally be swimming in crap for two years+.

Nation building? Schmation building!

Increased occupancy also means need for improved roads. Most importantly, Jamaica urgently needs government investment in national water collection and distribution and less chaotic public transport.

Peace and Love.

Gordon Robinson is an attorney-at-law. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com.