THE EDITOR, Sir:IN A letter published in The Gleaner on March 20, 2002, I wrote, "What do rural Jamaicans get for their tax dollars? They get no assistance with their garbage disposal." This situation has changed in the districts of Rock, Darlow, Bagatelle, Ashley, Amity Hall, Eden and Green Park, in Clarendon. Saturday, August 28, 2004 was the inaugural collection of garbage in our community. The truck had to return on Monday, August 30, to finish the collection.
It was such a relief to see the things that are not biodegradable on their way to a new home. Prior to this, citizens were forced to burn what they could, when the piles of garbage got too high to be tolerated, and the sinkholes were full. Thanks to Ann Lutas from the office of the executive chairman of the National Solid Waste Management Authority. Ms. Lutas kept her promise to bring the matter to the attention of those who could deal with our request for garbage collection.
For the first time during these 12 years since I have been working with the citizens' association, we have seen prompt, positive results after making only one phone call. Within a few days, Mr. Ivan Hayden followed up with a call. The following day, Mr. Hayden was in Bagatelle and environs assessing the situation. Although the notice was short, Messrs Hayden and Palmer journeyed to Bagatelle Square, on Saturday, August 14 to attend our community meeting where we worked out the logistics and discussed matters pertaining to our preparation for our first garbage collection exercise.
The citizens of Bagatelle and environs thank the National Solid Waste Management Authority for their prompt positive response to our request.
I am, etc.,
WINNIE ANDERSON-BROWN
President, Bagatelle & Environs
Citizens Association
Bagatelle district
Ashley P.A., Clarendon.
