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<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD><SPAN class=TopStory>Why rename Sangster International Airport?</SPAN>
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Thursday, October 26, 2006
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<P class=StoryText align=justify>Dear Editor,<P class=StoryText align=justify>In a letter to the Sunday Observer of September 17, Mr Howard Hamilton proposed that Bob Marley and Louise Bennett be made National Heroes. The writers of this letter do not propose to enter into the debate about additional national heroes. We do, however, wish to comment on the writer's proposal that the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay be renamed the Bob Marley International Airport.<P class=StoryText align=justify>Mr Hamilton also proposes that the Montego Bay Port be named/renamed The Port Donald Sangster.
The proposal is not only inappropriate but also flies against some well-established principles.<P class=StoryText align=justify>1. The airport was named following careful research into Sir Donald Sangster's significant involvement in the establishment of the airport when he was acting prime minister.<P class=StoryText align=justify>2. The government of the day was fully committed to the naming of the airport, and funded through the Airports Authority the murals which are prominently displayed at the airport. The president of the Airport's Authority expressed surprise and shock when he was informed of the proposal.<P class=StoryText align=justify>3. The international airline system now recognises the airport by that name, and the symbolism is a part of the worldwide international baggage and airport naming system. Airport names have been changed in the past, but the changes have tended to be to the names of specific individuals.<P class=StoryText align=justify>4. Members of the family were fully involved in the ceremony for the naming of the airport and regard the proposal as a calculated insult to the name of one of Jamaica's most respected prime ministers.<P class=StoryText align=justify>5. If we accept the principle of "progressive replacement" as articulated by Mr Hamilton, then we might well expect that Bob Marley's name could be eclipsed in the future and any monuments to his memory renamed because someone else was deemed worthy of acclaim. History and heritage need to be preserved for posterity and the edification of future generations and not be subject to change like a pair of shoes or a suit of clothes.<P class=StoryText align=justify>
Alfred Sangster and Bindley Sangster
Hope Pastures
Kingston 6
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Thursday, October 26, 2006
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<P class=StoryText align=justify>Dear Editor,<P class=StoryText align=justify>In a letter to the Sunday Observer of September 17, Mr Howard Hamilton proposed that Bob Marley and Louise Bennett be made National Heroes. The writers of this letter do not propose to enter into the debate about additional national heroes. We do, however, wish to comment on the writer's proposal that the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay be renamed the Bob Marley International Airport.<P class=StoryText align=justify>Mr Hamilton also proposes that the Montego Bay Port be named/renamed The Port Donald Sangster.
The proposal is not only inappropriate but also flies against some well-established principles.<P class=StoryText align=justify>1. The airport was named following careful research into Sir Donald Sangster's significant involvement in the establishment of the airport when he was acting prime minister.<P class=StoryText align=justify>2. The government of the day was fully committed to the naming of the airport, and funded through the Airports Authority the murals which are prominently displayed at the airport. The president of the Airport's Authority expressed surprise and shock when he was informed of the proposal.<P class=StoryText align=justify>3. The international airline system now recognises the airport by that name, and the symbolism is a part of the worldwide international baggage and airport naming system. Airport names have been changed in the past, but the changes have tended to be to the names of specific individuals.<P class=StoryText align=justify>4. Members of the family were fully involved in the ceremony for the naming of the airport and regard the proposal as a calculated insult to the name of one of Jamaica's most respected prime ministers.<P class=StoryText align=justify>5. If we accept the principle of "progressive replacement" as articulated by Mr Hamilton, then we might well expect that Bob Marley's name could be eclipsed in the future and any monuments to his memory renamed because someone else was deemed worthy of acclaim. History and heritage need to be preserved for posterity and the edification of future generations and not be subject to change like a pair of shoes or a suit of clothes.<P class=StoryText align=justify>
Alfred Sangster and Bindley Sangster
Hope Pastures
Kingston 6