The Editor, Sir:

I have allowed time to pass to see whether someone would enlighten the public and also the writer of the article, 'Public access to all beaches', published in The Gleaner on July 29. To date I have not seen any rebuttal of the writer's claims.

There are seven parish council roads that lead from the Norman Manley Boulevard to the beach in Negril and these roads are on the schedule of the Westmoreland Parish Council.

I had the honour of serving as chairman on the Westmoreland Parish Council and was the mayor of Savanna-la-Mar until my retirement in 1986, and up to then these roads were still accessible to the public with free access to the beach.

All seven roads

What is surprising is that the parish council which approves building plans in Westmoreland have allowed developers to take over all seven roads in Negril and now deprive the citizens of the country free access to the beach.

I would have no idea that this is the present condition in Negril had I not read the article written by Pastor Sylvester Wallace, a Jamaican residing in New York.

The Westmoreland Parish Council owes the people of Jamaica an explanation to all that is happening.

I am, etc.,

SEBERT DAVIS

Galloway district

Petersfield PO

Westmoreland