Protect our heritage
published: Saturday | August 28, 2004

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I DID NoT see the letter, but I understand that someone replied to my recent letter to you on the subject of those precious and misunderstood reptiles: lizards.

I hope that the future generation after this one will have the pleasure of actually encountering a lizard, rather than just being told about them, their having become extinct like other dinosaurs. If the letter was written by an adult, then I can only presume that either that adult is in the pest-control business, and will spray and kill whatever creature they are requested to exterminate, in order to collect their money ­ the bottom line every time ­ or, that adult is the product of ignorance and superstition ­ a deadly combination, particularly for the innocent and harmless little croakers that are trying to survive just like all of us.

This little island, and the wildlife that is left upon it, is in terrible trouble environmentally apart from all the other problems. The horror of bird-shooting continues, and is there nothing to be done to stop it before it is too late? I repeat what I said in my previous letter ­ Jamaica needs all the wildlife it can get, and all the trees, and all the healthy rivers, and clear ocean water. This is our heritage ­ let us not destroy it, and let us learn to share it with the creatures who have a right to live here too, whether or not we love them.

I am, etc.,

LANA DUPERROUZEL

tammydup@yahoo.com