'Nature' makes donation to NSWMA

Karrie Williams, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:André 'Nature' Ellis has joined the list of local entertainers who are giving back to their communities as he recently donated 12 metal drums to assist the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) with garbage collection in St James.

"I had this idea in mind for a while now to do something for Montego Bay, at least to make a start, because once you start something, it will continue," Ellis told Western Focus.

ST JAMES FLOODING

"I was watching the news on the recent flooding in St James, and the devastation I saw really affected me, and I said to myself, 'Some of these things are caused by drains not being cleaned and persons not disposing of their garbage properly', so I said to myself, 'Even some drums will help'," Ellis added.

Ellis, who is from Glendevon in St James, said, "Cleanliness is godliness", and indicated that his social responsibility will not end with this donation, but he will fulfil his obligation throughout other parishes.

"This is just the beginning. I want to drop off other drums all across Jamaica. Step by step - everyone has to do what they can do. That is what we are supposed to do as human beings or as someone who has a purpose," he said.

NSWMA regional operations manager, Eifert Daley, expressed his appreciation to Ellis and said he was motivated by his efforts.

"I am very much encouraged by the initiative and I wish we could have much more of this level of support from citizens in months and years to come. Once we have partnerships from outside citizens and we are able to create more awareness, we will be happy about it," said Daley, adding that the drums would be allocated to a section of Hart Street in Montego Bay, where he concedes there have been difficulties with residents and their improper garbage disposal habits.

Councillor of the Montego Bay South Division Suzette Brown, who was on hand to witness the handover of the drums by Ellis to Daley, lauded the artiste for his efforts.

"At the end of the day, I know for an artiste to take his hard-earned money, his hard-earned cash, and do this, it is a good thing. This should go a long way in assisting with the whole containment of waste throughout the city," Brown said.

Ellis entered into the mainstream music industry in 2002 and is best known for his single World Peace. He recently performed at the Calabash Literary Festival, hosted in Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth, and is slated to perform on International Night I of the upcoming Reggae Sumfest.