THE EDITOR, Sir:

I am using this medium to speak to the issue of road contracts, the selection and retention of contractors on the approved list.

I would like to suggest that in order to improve the quality of work and the competence of contractors, the following should be implemented:

1. Cut out all politically awarded road contracts.

2. Require all contractors to take continuing education courses devised to improve road building techniques.

3. Establish a non-partisan body to oversee the continuing education process and certification.

4. Require the body to report directly to Parliament and to post that report on the Internet. This should be an annual report.

5. Require that continuing education be the basis of re-certification every two years.

6. Require bodies, for example, the National Works Agency and parish councils association involved with contract tender and management be exposed to new techniques.

This might require foreign expertise to establish such a body, but this must be done for transparency and to protect taxpayers.

The result would be better-quality roads, capable of withstanding the vagaries of the weather.

I am, etc.,

WARREN ROBINSON

4801 Elon Crescent

Lakeland, Florida 33810