The Editor, Sir:

In response to an article in The Gleaner of October 23 titled 'Montague sends the wrong signal' I write to send the correct signal, in that we welcome the ensuing debate and discourse that has emanated from the seemingly grey areas between the Parish Councils Building Act Regulations and the Architects Registration Act as opined by Mr Whyms-Stone, president of the Jamaica Institute of Architects, and supported by your reader, E.C. Williams, a registered architect.

I have no misconception or wrong interpretation of the Architects Registration Act. As a matter of fact, we have sought clarification and interpretation on both the Parish Councils Building Act Regulations and the Architects Registration Act from the attorney general in relation to:

(i) Whether the parish councils should be asked to change their practice of accepting applications for building approvals which are not stamped and sealed by a registered architect.

(ii) Whether it will be necessary to amend the Architects Registration Act to conform to government policy and existing practice.

Our position, as advised by the attorney general, is that parish councils are not guided by the provisions of the Architects Registration Act but rather by the provisions of the Parish Councils Building Act, and more so the respective Parish Councils Building Act Regulations. Therefore, based on the current requirements of these pieces of legislations, we cannot be asked to change the practice of accepting applications for building approvals which are not stamped and sealed by a registered architect.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, I believe the law should not 'be a shackle' but through the tenets and principles of consultation that underpin the local government reform process we warmly extend again to Mr Whyms-Stone and his team the hand of partnership by way of joining us in dialogue in reconciling and shaping the way forward on this critical issue that affects the building environment.

I would also like to take this opportunity to inform the Jamaica Institute of Architects that we are not only engaging them in dialogue but we have moved ahead to implement a training programme in which all persons who are desirous of submitting plans to the parish councils or local authorities should undergo training and be registered with the parish council by April 1, 2010. They will also be required to produce a valid tax compliance certificate, their taxpayer's registration number, publication of business and renew their licences annually.

Finally, let me also remind you all that local government reform is not a programme of activities but a process, and this process is subjected to constant review of our strategies, inputs and outcomes.

I am etc.,

Robert Montague

Minister of State

Local Government