Storm over airport name

St Mary residents believe outstanding J’can better choice than Ian Fleming

BY ALESIA EDWARDS Sunday Observer staff reporter alesiae@jamaicaobserver.com

Sunday, January 23, 2011

"People are extremely upset over the name, we don't like it and we want it to be renamed, it's a great disrespect and injustice to the people of St Mary and Jamaica," one resident who asked not to be named told the Sunday Observer. "I don't think there is one person in the community or in Jamaica who agrees with Ian Fleming's name being on the airport, it is just not right, it's a shame and it's an indictment on the Government."

A few days after the airport was officially opened by Prime Minister Bruce Golding, workers turned up to find the sign at the entrance defaced with black paint. Residents believe it was a protest against the name.

"People are upset, that's why someone defaced the sign, and I believe people will continue to protest against the name until the honourable thing, which is to rename [it] after a great Jamaican, is done," said a resident who identified himself only as James.