Prevention is better than cure
Published:Saturday | August 19, 2023 | 12:05 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
The proverb advises “better to be safe than sorry” or “prevention is better than cure”, “a stitch in time, saves nine”. In light of these wise words, commendation, not cursing, should be the prescription for the decision for the temporary closure of the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James.
The declaration of a problem is the first step towards a viable solution. There is no replacement for life. Internationally, great emphasis is given to safety, despite the inconvenience to travellers. Because of acts of nature, snowstorms or torturous heat, if a runway is not deemed safe, it is closed for take-off and landing. We need to trust the people on the ground when they make decisions.
The challenges of global warming, rising sea levels and geological and geographic hurdles are facing developments in St James. Does that corridor parallel to the Cornwall Regional Hospital face erosion from the sea? While I am no trained civil engineer, it is a well-documented fact that land in Jamaica is heavily composed of limestone. Sadly, what can one do when a building purchased is found to be on a sinkhole?
Thus, the caution is a step in the right direction and not erroneous neglect. The sea coast rocks in the island, too, are known to have flintlike structures, which can be a possible fire hazard.
Schools are gearing up for the new academic year, and many facilities are in dire need of restoration and renovation. In some schools, there is also the need to install a protective grille on the stairs, to prevent falls.
Steps also must be taken to prevent crime and violence, especially domestic abuse. There are lot of lives of girls and women being lost. This is reality that needs to be grappled with.
Not only as it was in the case of the airport closure, prevention should be a priority; insight and decisive interventions must be implemented to stem that tide.
CATHERINE NEIL