Letter of the Day | What has happened to our civic pride?

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I was recently going to the Central Police Station in downtown Kingston. On my way there, I drove past what appeared to be a public city dump, officially known as National Heroes Park. The garbage pile-up at several spots around the park is an absolute disgrace. It extends to the corner closest to the entrance to Wolmer’s Boys’ School. There are no skips for the proper storage of refuse and no visible garbage receptacles; and the place is littered with discarded refrigerators and sofas.

The beautiful (unfinished) perimeter wall is a reflection of the general lack of pride our people have in their country and brings to mind the oxymoron that Jamaica is ranked the happiest nation in the Caribbean, according to a United Nations-supported report. At the same time, it has one of the highest murder rates in the world.

I remember when my children were much younger, I would take them to the National Heroes Park on weekends to help educate them about our nation’s heroes and related history. They would use the playground in the park, which at the time had a newly installed play area. They were also fascinated with the observance of the changing of the guards.

It was important enough that we did what was necessary to sufficiently impress United States President Obama when he visited Jamaica. but Why not for our own people, even in an attempt at instilling some civic pride? Why is cleanliness not next to godliness in our little island?

Having arrived at Central, I was met with a similarly disgusting sight. Garbage piled high at the entrance, with its foul smell competing with the settled stagnant water, was most unwelcoming, to say the least. I have come to a conclusion that we, as a people, have generally become insensitive to our surroundings. However, I was sufficiently impressed with the professionalism of the policemen and women with whom I interacted.

We should treat them, our citizens and our heroes with a bit more respect. Cleanliness is, perhaps, a first step.

CHRIS JARRETT

JHTA Chairman

Kingston Chapter