Grasping at Straws

I wish to address the meeting held at Vieux Fort on May 11th, 2018, spearheaded by the president of the SLMDA and an employee of Inter Island Architects Mr. Mark Hennecart. I am not quite sure whether the utterings were threatening in any way, but there was no doubt that the overall atmosphere was political in nature. What struck me forcibly was the comments of Mr. Hennecart who took much time in explaining how careful he and his organization – Inter Island Architects were in preparing the layout of the St. Jude Hospital, while on the other hand, an individual could simply walk in and dare criticize their work of art.

On the other hand, before blowing his trumpet to the extent he did, it would have been more informative to the public if he would have taken the opportunity to highlight the number of cubicles and corridors which were included in terms of square footage, in order that the ordinary man would get a real picture of his design. I would like Mr. Hennecart to answer one simple question and that is; How many tons or cubic meters of concrete were transported to the dump as a result of the continuous demolishing of walls based on inadequate information? An architect who is qualified to execute any project should in our opinion be able to prepare a design on paper or today on his computer and then transfer that image/drawing to the contractor. By the contractor’s own words on television, he advised that the number of walls which were erected and torn down during his three years on the job was unusual. Assuming the contractor is telling the truth and to the best of his recollection some forty (20) ton truck loads of rubble associated with the demolishing of improperly erected walls were transported offsite, does Mr. Hennecart have the credibility to stand before any audience and offer any new advice as to the way forward?

One can fool some people some of the time, but not all the people all the time. Has Mr. Hennecart in the last 30 days forwarded a written quotation to the SLMDA with a breakdown of the costs to complete the said St. Jude Hospital project for some $70 million WITHOUT addressing the number of walls that have to be again demolished prior to making the hospital semi-acceptable? The current administration over the 24 month period has forked out millions of dollars to offset accumulated debt for all the hurried contracts prior to the 2016 general elections, leaving the treasury devoid of treasure. Fortunately, we now have an administration who cares and remains committed to having a proper medical wing constructed within 14 months in order that the folks of the south will be cared for in a human and dignified manner, meanwhile, the George Odlum Stadium will be addressed to humanize the facility. RUSHING INTO ANY PROJECT BLINDLY IS NOT THE ANSWER AS THOUGHFULNESS AND PLANNING ARE PARAMOUNT TO THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF ANY PROJECT.

By: Charles Arlington