Letter of the Day | When did we lose our civic pride?

THE EDITOR, Madam:

There was a time (especially in rural Jamaica) when, with news of a family member coming to visit, whether from Kingston or from overseas, the floor would be glistening from the wax, the yard would be thoroughly swept, everything would be in place. This was the pride and respect Jamaicans used to show to their visitors, from family visit to royal visit.

Last week, I was in Ocho Rios and saw one of the most embarrassing sights. I cannot believe that the minister of tourism, who spent so much time bragging about tourism recovery, could not see to it that those who spent their money to grace the shores of Jamaica be greeted with a presentable environment when they visit, since it appears that only tourists matter.

What I am speaking about is the stagnant, mosquito-infested water in the drain which runs through the centre of the town, down towards the Moon Palace hotel.

The exact thing can be seen in Montego Bay.

In the Rwandan capital of Kigali, there is a similar drain, equivalent to the Sandy Gully in Kingston. That drain is cleaned and washed six times per day. One commentator said he could eat his meal in the gully.

No wonder, Rwanda is called the Singapore of Africa – they are a people of immense pride.

Please mayors, members of parliament, parish councillors, and Ministry of Tourism, although you do not care about Jamaican citizens who do businesses in these towns; at least you can show some respect to the tourists who you claim to adore.

VEROL THOMPSON