Why this government’s obsession with arches?

Jul 13, 2017 Letters

Dear Editor,
Historically great civilizations produced mind boggling architecture on the earth’s surface. The Egyptians are famed for their pyramids, the Indians for the Tajmahal, the Incas for Machu Picchu-the list goes on. Ancient architecture is seen as the degree of advancement or reflection of the well being of their ancestors, conquerors or simply the people who inhabit the terrain before us.
Each generation in every nation live their lives trying to preserve their little wonders or historical artifacts for future generations to relish. All these relics that are preserved around the world were built for specific purposes. The pyramids for the burial of the pharaohs; the statues of Buddha to remind people of a great sage. The architect of the Saint Georges Cathedral did not set out to build the World’s tallest wooden building – he had just intended a church with grandeur looks.
The coalition government led by the historian, President David Granger – having built his cabinet’s bureaucracy by an additional seven ministers – were also contemplating the removal of the artifacts from the Walter Roth museum-the nation’s historical treasure trove-to create more office space for his grandiose cabinet. The National Assembly approved supplementary spending for some things not budgeted for. These include rehab of some roads, construction of some bridges and of note a few pedestrian overpass.
There is always need for roads and bridges-these could miss the human eye before a budget. The pedestrian overpass is something new and should have been in the budget as a capital project. This is evidence that the coalition has recently acquired a newfound obsession with arches. Ansa Mcal had a vision and gave them one and got a nice contract to supply medications.
The monies spent on these overpasses could have been better spent by reimbursing the traffic cops who spend hours in the rain and sun directing traffic and assisting pedestrians to cross the road at these crucial points. These over passes will not take away the need for these heroes (traffic cops) of the East Bank road to be there at rush hour despite the weather; it is an injustice to them on their meager salary. Like Ansa Mcal! I have a vision. The overpasses will be built and out of shame the coalition will make it illegal to cross the road at these points without using the over pass-just to prove that it is not a waste of money.
Then these monstrosities will take a physical toll on senior citizens and the disabled. It is ironic to contemplate the coalition’s prior intent to dislocate real history (Walter Roth museum) with their new found obsession with arches. Could it be that they are trying to leave a figment of their legacy for future generations to relish? That would be a fitting chronicle. Arches built for no purpose, serves no purpose; a mirrored reflection of themselves.
Rudolph Singh

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