THE EDITOR, Sir:
QUITE OFTEN it seems like getting things done in Jamaica is not only time-consuming, but similar to 'pulling teeth', a long arduous process waiting for the eventual outcome.
Months after Hurricane Ivan's passing, there are still some basic areas that need special attention.
One such area is that section of Upper Waterloo Road where there are two barriers on each side of the road, bordering the road and edge of the gully.
In the event of flooding, these barriers offer some amount of protection to prevent vehicles from going into the gully.
But one of the barriers is no longer there as a result of the hurricane. This means that flooding can once again push cars into the gully causing loss of life.
I say once again, because a couple of years ago this was the fate for a woman and her daughter. As the hurricane season again approaches, let us increase our level of preparedness to face these challenges.
Government has to take a more proactive approach to these
problems.
Empowering people to recognise their self-worth and giving them an alternative to a life of crime is key. Giving a man money in his hand at the stoplight is perpetuating a lifestyle of dependence and a mentality of a slave, a slave to his own demise.
Offering something more sustainable is a much greater gift, a gift that may increase his self-worth and end his perceived state of hopelessness.
I am, etc.,
W.D. PEDDIE
wpeddie@hotmail.com
Kingston
Via Go-Jamaica
