There have been many discussions taking place relating to the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) and the wanton waste of the money in many instances. During the Beijing Olympics it was reported that Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett took a large entourage of persons to China and that the cost -some J$30 million - was covered with money from the TEF. If true, this would be most unacceptable, to say the least.

Since then, more money has been reportedly drawn down for other so-called tourism-related projects and programmes despite the fact that the major resort areas of the country remain in a filthy, rundown and disorganised state.

The Opposition Spokesman on Tourism, Dr Wykeham McNeill, has blasted what he calls the "callous and irresponsible manner" in which funds are being spent from the TEF and has called on the prime minister for a thorough investigation into its use and to make public the details of the funds and the breakdown of the various amounts which have been drawn down from the TEF, and where they were spent.

We need an investigation now into the accounts of the TEF. How many people are employed to the TEF? What are their salaries and that of the chairman of the fund? I am not satisfied with the performance of Tourism Minister Bartlett with regard to the TEF, and he needs to speak on this issue now.

I join Dr McNeill in calling on the prime minister for an investigation into the TEF now. Over to you, Mr Golding.

I am, etc.,

RICHARD L. TOMLINSON

drtomlinson22@hotmail.com

Montego Bay

St James