THE EDITOR, Sir:
IT IS certainly a pleasure to see the changes in certain areas in the city of Kingston that were once derelict and untidy as a result of the efforts of the government and some private sector companies. Even in the inner city there are hangovers of this effort.
The announcement by the Prime Minister to see that Labour Day is marked by a new thrust "Nice and clean" drive for Jamaica is most welcome. Most, if not all well-thinking Jamaicans will give their full support and co-operation and hope that it will be a long-lasting programme which will see the success it deserves.
There are certain factors that should accompany and follow this drive:
1. There must be sanctions against any attempts to mar any work done, or effort made. The law against any violation should be vigorously enforced by the Security Forces. Of course, if they are too busy at crime prevention then, wardens should be appointed. This will ensure some continuity.
2. All posters and placards put up illegally on walls, buildings and light posts as advertising, should be followed up to the printers and places of the activity, in which case both would answer for the violation.
3. Proper guidance should be given to caretakers of flower gardens and hedges of public areas on how to give proper care.
4. Dumping of garbage in waterways, drains and gullies should be stringently monitored and perpetrators brought to book.
5. All public passenger vehicles should carry containers at the exit in which refuse could be deposited. Owners of private motor cars should also carry a receptacle for waste instead of throwing juice boxes and bottles on the streets.
6. Private citizens should be given authority to report the numbers of motor vehicles from which litter is thrown and a ticketing system introduced to follow.
7. A drive in all schools should be embarked upon to ensure that students observe cleanliness in the classroom even when there are cleaners.
8. Each one of us should endeavour to challenge the streetwalkers who litter and encourage use of bins that will be provided.
If we succeed, we would not only reinforce the Prime Minister's drive of "Nice and clean," but bring a general change of attitude to cleanliness, enhancing and preserving ecological structures and maintaining the general beauty of Jamaica, Land We Love.
I am, etc.,
R.A. YOUNG
Kingston
