Crawford says new Negril sign looks like ‘old time saving pan’

Opposition Spokesperson on Education and Training, Damion Crawford, has raised concerns about the new $12 million welcome sign in the town of Negril, saying it looks like an “old time saving pan”.

He also said that funds pumped into creating the new sign would have been better spent on education. 

Speaking at a People’s National Party’s (PNP) Party constituency conference in Arnett Gardens, in St Andrew Southern, on Sunday, Crawford said “This Government is giving our children stone when they need bread, and giving our women serpents when they need fish.”

Crawford said he strongly believes the Government should be using resources from the public’s purse to reach every student in Jamaica, especially those in need. 

“We have a country that we have children that are suffering from learning loss. They haven’t been able to learn in school because of COVID. The World Bank says we need $4 billion dollars to change that circumstance. The Jamaican Government gets $1 billion dollars…but if him only have $1 billion, how come him gone a Negril gone to build a sign for $12 million?” Crawford asked.

He further stated that the Negril sign is not just a location marker, but a sign that the government does not care about the circumstances of Jamaicans.

Friday’s unveiling of a $12-million Negril welcome sign in the resort town has stoked debate on social media, with some declaring it a waste of money while others have defended the spend as justified.
The sign was unveiled last Friday by Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, and the Tourism Product Development Company, which sponsored the project. 

The project also features a layby and walkway, retaining wall, landscaping, solar lighting and letters in red, green, and gold.

ainsworth.morris@gleanerjm.com 

We want to hear from you! Email us at star@gleanerjm.com and follow @thejamaicastar on Instagram and on Twitter @JamaicaStar and on Facebook: @TheJamaicaStar, or on Whatsapp @ 876-550-2506.