Portland deserves better

THE EDITOR, Madam:

It is time for Daryl Vaz to resign. He has been embroiled in several scandals, ranging from the Rooms on the Beach sale, where prime waterfront real estate was allegedly sold below market value, to the bid to lease 7.7 acres of land in the Blue Mountains for the bargain of only J$120,000 per year. Furthermore, Vaz, who lost his US visa under mysterious circumstances, promised he would resign if his visa was not reinstated. After several months, even though his visa was not reinstated, he has not resigned.

So Vaz is still the member of parliament for Western Portland. As many people attest to, Portland is one of the most beautiful parishes in the country, from her cool, mountainous terrain to the picturesque Frenchman’s Cove, where the river meets the Caribbean Sea. As a former clerk of court for the parish, I had the opportunity to explore Portland and to interact with some of Jamaica’s most professional civil servants and the most considerate police officers. Additionally, the people of Portland are some of the friendliest I have ever met. They now have to contend with the coronavirus outbreak, the lack of tourists, and even fewer job opportunities. They shouldn’t also have to contend with an MP who doesn’t appear to be focused on their needs. The hard-working, good-natured people of Portland deserve better. Jamaica deserves better.

TASHA C. RODNEY

Attorney

Miami, Florida