Go carefully on statue decision

THE EDITOR: Both the intensity and passion of public comments with respect to the Columbus statue constrain me to suggest an alternative approach be brought to the table. Decisions taken ought not to be knee-jerk responses but are better made when they rely on reason and careful reflection.

Firstly, the issue is not simply about the removal of the Columbus statue but rather that of nation building. National interest can be better served if we build an inventory to identify and record the existing monuments, statues, museums, heritage buildings and historical sites throughout our country.

A team of knowledgeable people should be tasked with identifying how the nation can be better served through appropriately honouring, archiving, restoring and allocating public space that would best develop strong feelings of nationhood, particularly among the youth.

May I further suggest that wherever feasible efforts should be made to link this to tourism and the creative arts.

SAMUEL B HOWARD

via e-mail