THE EDITOR Sir;FOR FAR too long, businesses have been allowed to operate in isolation of their environment. The environment has taken a back seat compared to other issues, and businesses have been allowed to not only neglect to contribute to the preservation of the environment, but have been allowed to partake in its desecration through inadequate solid waste disposal and inadequate maintenance of verges and sidewalks.
The Government should move quickly and decisively to curb this wanton
disregard of our environment, and make it compulsory for all businesses to 'adopt a kerb' in front of their businesses. They should be required to landscape a prescribed strip or verge, with appropriate grass lawns and flowers and put the
necessary maintenance in place to preserve it.
EXAMPLES
This trend I am happy to say has been set by the National Commercial Bank and Petrojam on Trafalgar Road, and Cable and Wireless Jamaica Ltd., at the Palisadoes roundabout.
This would result in landscaping costs being no longer a drain on the public purse while at the same time developing a civic pride in our people, which right now is sadly lacking.
Additionally, it has been shown that our surroundings play a very important part in the 'psyche' of our people, and would go a far way to helping to curb the violence that is so rampant in our society at this time.
Finally, this intervention would be accompanied by the necessary tax reliefs to serve as an incentive to the various businesses, and help to convert Kingston our capital into a beautiful garden, instead of the 'dump' that it is at present.
I am, etc.,
CYNTHIA BURTON (Mrs.)
cynthiae@cwjamaica.com
Kingston
