MP Lloyd B Smith (PNP) addresses some issues relating to our environment, poverty, class-consciousness, violence, eco-degradation, social & moral relationships…and dare we mention that personalized, secretive concept: Natural Beauty!

JAMAICA has oftentimes been described as an island paradise. Indeed, some people even refer to it as the closest thing to the biblical Garden of Eden. I well recall the first time I visited the United States of America, many years ago, and how proud and elated I was when many Americans whom I met and was introduced to expressed much envy at the fact that I lived in "paradise".

When Christopher Columbus "discovered" Jamaica he expressed much wonder at the beauty of the island, and throughout the ages our island home has been a WOW factor for many tourists from all across the globe. However, a trip around the country these days will reveal that Jamaica is beginning to lose much of its pristine pulchritude. Its unsurpassable natural beauty is being destroyed — slowly, but surely — by environmental degradation; not by acts of war or even natural disasters, but its uncaring and unconscionable inhabitants who, it would appear, do not care.

It is said that poverty is the greatest destroyer of the environment, not development.
But here in Jamaica, the jury is still out on this most vexing issue. The picture becomes even gloomier when the effects of global warming are included. And, when one considers that the island's two most important industries — tourism and agriculture — are dependent on the state of the environment, the scenario becomes even more frightening. This harsh reality does not augur well for the future of Jamaica, land of beauty.

For starters, look at the Kingston Harbour which has become one big sewage pond and garbage receptacle. Rated as one of the best natural harbours in the world, that once-peachy-clean body of water has become a most polluted spot.
From time to time one hears about plans to address this worsening situation but to date there has been no clear-cut plan of action that is being implemented with any sense of urgency. And, as if this is not enough to rile any true lover of nature, much of the coastal waters surrounding the island, particularly where these adjoin resort, residential or industrial areas, are rife with pollution — raw sewage, debris, garbage, and silt.

Of course, the main causes of pollution are irresponsible disposal of garbage, drains that are not cleaned regularly, laxity with respect to the disposal of industrial waste and grey water, improper or ineffective sewage systems and, worst of all, a no-teeth anti-litter law…

Interestingly, from time to time, there are coastal clean-up days along our many beaches, and on Labour Day there is usually a flurry of activity relating to clean-up campaigns. But these attempts, though well-intentioned, are merely cosmetic exercises as the uglification continues unabated.

Fact is, we are nasty and uncaring when it comes to our environment.
I have always found it amusing, if not bemusing, that people will throw their garbage right beside a receptacle put there for that purpose. Then there is the classic case of individuals dumping their garbage in the vicinity of a sign that says it is illegal and prohibited to do so!


Policy Framework & Plan of Action To Combat Uglification:
• There should be a major all-island beautification programme accompanied by a public-education and awareness campaign. And this should not be a one-stop project, but an ongoing activity.

• There should be zero tolerance towards uncleanliness, which means that the Anti-litter Act should be strengthened and fully implemented. Unfortunately, the police pay very little attention to this law, so that business places, commuters, motorists, and pedestrian who daily flout the law do so unpunished.

• Cleanliness must be a habit that is inculcated in the minds of our young people from as early as at the basic school level. Well, we remember those nursery rhymes and songs that helped young students to develop the habit of keeping the spaces around them clean and beautiful.
It is no secret that a filthy environment can affect the mind in a negative way. Perhaps that is why there is so much violence, both verbal and physical, in our depressed communities.

One only has to look at the daily news and see a murder scene on focus in which garbage, filth and ugliness abound.
Politicians, private sector leaders, entertainers, law enforcement officers, educators, pastors, the media, service clubs, and just about every civil society grouping out there should treat degradation of the environment in the same way that we treat corruption.

As for the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), the least said the better.

Read More: Observer Link:}
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/The-uglification-of-Jamaica_17557764

International Coastal Clean-Up Day…Hail Jamaica's Hearty, Bend-Over Volunteers

“ICC Day in Jamaica has grown leaps and bounds each year,” said Diana McCaulay, JET CEO, “We aimed for 100 sites and more volunteers this year, but 130 sites far exceeds our expectations.” As the National Coordinator, JET is working with local site coordinators to carry out cleanups in all 14 parishes in Jamaica on Saturday. The JET flagship beach cleanup has over 2,200 persons registered, including 21 corporate teams, who will be volunteering at the Fort Rocky Beach on the Palisadoes strip in Kingston.

International Coastal Cleanup Day in Jamaica is funded by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF). The Ministry of Tourism and its agencies, including TEF, will participate in cleanups in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Kingston. “The Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) is delighted to know that a record number of sites have been registered for the 2014 ICC Day.
It is a clear indication that we are beginning to understand and appreciate the concept of social responsibility and the importance of environmental stewardship…not only to ensure our own survival, but is also expected of us from visitors who are holding destinations to higher environmental standards,” said Clyde Harrison, Executive Director of the TEF.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/editorial/We-must-make-Jamaica-clean_17584015

Good, time for air clean up.

Clean up day is most important, however when it comes to protecting our environment,we must stay aware of all our behaviors and the impact we are making in shaping and teaching those who will continue to manage the resources .Please remember that convenience is not always the best option .Try to make the environment a little cleaner and healthier for the next generation.My children and six grands join me in saying THANKS for proper disposal of trash. YOU make a cleaner healthy space for all to enjoy.ONE LOVE.jenny Reynolds nelson.

What happens to the clean up day material?

I hope that there are options for disposal,like the return of containers,reusable bags,and an awareness of the cost of our behaviors on our environment.I make a compost bed in my garden.Suprise we have reaped a number of large butternut squash and pumpkins that grew out of the compost a delightful but unintended benefit.Next Spring I will try for melons.I learned good strategies as a child growing up in FRENCHMAN. I still use some of these lessons.Thanks VILLAGE you DID WELL.

If the collected items are incinerated, what was sitting on the beach goes into the air. Thus our lungs. From eyesore to poison.

Is this just to make some agency look good by disbursing public funds for a token environmental clean up?

Public bodies are ruled by petty lords. They all look up to the current king or queen and their retirement.

An answer to a question that may expose shortcomings or other may mean a virtual beheading for the brave soul.

They protect their domains. Servants become tyrants.

The environment is not their kingdom. It's dirty and uncontrollable.

The uglification of Treasure Beach. Those hacked cacti, burnt tree stumps, dry land.

Plant trees. They will pay, if you can write grant forms and deal with the bureaucrats.

Use the plastic bottles as seed planters. They teach that in kindergarden, many of us learnt to hack an bun only.