THE EDITOR, Sir:

While growing up, my mother had told me, "Cleanliness is next to godliness." So why do the hustlers on the streets of Jamaica sell their wares with no thought to their own appearance and hygiene. Am I the only one blind to this?

The majority of these individuals are not only selling without the required food handler's permit but are selling baked products such as breads, buns and donuts in filthy clothing and conditions that are totally unacceptable.

By my observation, personal appearance standards and hygiene of these sellers are simply not a priority; only money is. I would not buy anything from a reputable retailer if the salesperson was not groomed and clean - no matter how sweet the deal may be.

Street hustlers represent Jamaica. Most fail to shower, apply oral hygiene, look at their hands and fingernails, body and facial hair, and groom their hair.

We Jamaicans need to wake up, observe and always give our consumers, including tourists (whether on the streets or in stores), the impression of self-confidence and pride. We must be conscious of our appearance at all times. Other Caribbean countries do it, so why can't we?

There needs to be more public awareness on this issue.

WESLEY THOMAS

wesleythomas@ymail.com

Mandeville, Manchester