Access to water is a right

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Every one of us will eventually pass on, leaving behind all our possessions and wealth. None of these things follow us. This simple truth forces us to ask: What truly lasts? And what should matter most?

Everything man builds–roads, machines, even mighty institutions – will one day break down. But the things nature gives us freely, like air, sunlight and water, have sustained life for generations and remain long after we’re gone.

That’s why I believe we must take a serious look at how we treat water. It is not a luxury. It is life itself. Yet, here in Jamaica, as in many places around the world, water is treated like a commodity – bottled, priced, and even withheld from people who cannot afford it. That is not just a policy issue; it’s a moral failure.

Yes, it costs money to treat and distribute water. But just as we pay taxes for schools, roads, and public hospitals, we can invest in making sure every citizen has access to clean water – no matter their income. A basic daily supply should be a guaranteed right. Beyond that, people and businesses who use extra can pay their fair share.

What if Jamaica became the first to declare that no one should go without water?

In a world shaped by inequality, let Jamaica be a place where the essentials of life are protected and shared, starting with water.

CARLTON FEARON