THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE COUNTRY has been struggling for many years with a spiralling fuel bill. We need to wake up to the realisation that petrol is not a commodity that we produce in Jamaica and therefore, we have no control over its price on the world market. As a result we need devise strategies to reduce our consumption.
I remember some years ago when I worked with Kaiser Bauxite Company, there was an incentive-driven car pooling programme whereby free petrol (about five gallons) was given at the end of each week to drivers involved in the programme.
I think that this is something worth emulating on a national scale. This would not only reduce the nation's energy bill, but also positively impact us individually. The congestion on our roads and the stress associated with commuting from one place to another would be diminished. There are numerous other benefits that could be achieved if there is a sustained reduction in the country's fuel bill.
To achieve any benefits on the individual and national scale, each of us would have to be committed to the process.
With some companies forking out large sums annually to facilitate parking for their staff, car pooling could be a viable alternative.
We need to start the discussions and implementation at the community level then progress to the boardrooms. Let us assist each other in seeing the "big picture" - with or without incentives.
I am, etc.,
PAT BIGNALL
wilbig@cwjamaica.com
