I had the good fortune to work on the underwater archaeology in Port Royal 20 years ago and saw the possibilities of this little village.

For history, it has the old church, the fort, the Giddy House, the old Naval Hospital, the underwater city, and the pirate legends. For recreation it has Lime Cay and Morgan's Harbour, and for dining, it has Gloria's, a bakery, and other good places. Importantly, Port Royal still retains its old feel, and has not yet been ruined by unbridled exclusionary development. It is a jewel waiting for careful buffing.

Port Royal could add to the reasons for flying into Kingston instead of Montego Bay, and if the cross-island train from Montego Bay was brought back, and the ferry from Kingston revived, it would be more accessible and fun to visit.

Double-edged sword

When I worked in Port Royal years ago, I was dismayed at the minimal effort the government put into improving the museum and taking care of the buildings and streets. Revisiting three years ago, the place looked to be in worse shape, with a piles of garbage right at the entrance to the village.

Future development should respect the history of Port Royal and the people who now make it a great 'undiscovered' place to visit.

I am, etc.,

MARK LORUSSO

mslorusso@earthlink.net

Albany, NY