Address Linstead’s garbage problem

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I am writing, as a concerned citizen, on the state of affairs in Linstead. For years, I have observed how the town and its environs are treated by adults and children alike. Whether walking on the streets, riding in vehicles, standing at a corner, or vending, people appear unbothered by the improper disposal of waste and its consequences for our health.

It is also clear that Linstead is not a priority for the government, which has no concrete plans to clean the town or implement workable initiatives to hold businesses, vendors, and other offenders accountable for indiscriminately dumping garbage.

Programmes, workshops, and community meetings should be mandatory to inform and educate people on the importance of maintaining a clean and tidy environment. Instead, we have been conditioned to accept unruliness and filth as being normal. How can we achieve a safe, clean environment when public education campaigns are not strongly directed at the communities with the worst problems, and when meaningful signs are not erected in designated dumping areas?

A partnership between Trade Winds and Member of Parliament Damion Crawford led to the placement of several garbage drums in strategic locations, particularly in areas where residents and business owners frequently dump waste. Each drum displays a number to call when full and, for those unable to read the instructions, there are illustrations demonstrating how to use the bins. Despite this, many still fail to act responsibly. Some drums are even secured with chains and locks to prevent removal from their locations.

Yet, with all of this in place, Linstead remains the same: dirty, foul-smelling, and unappealing to walk through or even look at. Duncan Park itself is a sight for sore eyes - an embarrassment compared to other parks I have seen at their best, even on their worst days.

These conditions clearly indicate that our people need to be educated and resocialised to correct the culture of dumping. Duncan Park should be our pride, not our shame. The chained drums prove that help has been offered. The question is no longer who will act, but when we will. If not the MP, if not the church, if not the elders we respect - then it must be us, today.

Linstead deserves better. We must demand it, and live it.

MELISSA NATTANIA PAGE