The Editor, Sir:

I have always advocated that we should establish our casinos and our prison population offshore.

I propose that the Government purchase the 1,600 acres Navy Island property; dedicate 500 acres to the establishment of a prison village with a police station and a JDF outpost.

Prison village

The prison village would be operated as a business. A 300-acre; Irish, sweet potato and vegetable farm would be worked by the prisoners, who would be paid at current rates of pay. The produce would be sold to government institutions and hotels. Some able prisoners would receive small loans to establish service-related businesses, a market and small stores. Deductions would be made for related loans, living expenses and, of course, statutory deductions. They would be responsible for feeding and clothing themselves. Exiled people and criminals were sent to Australia.

Crocodile attraction

Within the divide between the 500 and 1,000 acres, 100 acres would be fenced off and a crocodile attraction set up within that area.

The Government would then sell the other 1,000 acres to the highest bidder with the understanding that an aerodrome should be put in place for the jets of the incoming high-rollers, and that the area would be established as a strip for casinos and hotels.

There could be no hue and cry from our local populace if the casinos are offshore. We would only reap the dollars and the tourists.

I am, etc.,

VERNA GORDON BINNS

theashton@cwjamaica.com

PO Box 123

Black River

Via Go-Jamaica