Another proposal for windscreen washers

The Editor, Sir:

The recent 'crackdown' and arrests of windscreen washers and the subsequent debate on television [TVJ - Impact: Thursday, September 9,] between Howard Hamilton, Q.C., Alvin 'Rocky' Campbell and Deputy Superintendent of Police Wayne Cameron have prompted me to add my voice to this debate and the broader issue of the street people in Kingston and other major cities throughout our beloved country.

I am, and all of us should be, concerned about the plight of the less fortunate for the upliftment of our society depends on the strength of all its citizens. Over the last five years, I have had the opportunity to know four such street men, and have been both saddened and impressed by their condition and determination to forgo criminal activity and eke out a meagre existence.

I have also been impressed by these individuals who, under very harsh conditions, are relentless in their efforts to make a living. These are conditions that most of us 'good citizens' would not consider for a minute.

Law-abiding citizens

Also, what has fascinated me about them since the 'crackdown' is their adherence to the new rules, as they told me recently; "mi cyan wipe windscreen no more". It suggests to me that, in spite of the negative views many 'so-called law-abiding citizens' have of the windscreen washermen, they too are law-abiding. I believe respect and the understanding of the society at large, and a chance to make an honest living, are just a few of the many needs these people have. As 'Rocky' indicated during the televised debate, his earnings are used to support two children who are not his offspring, in order to help provide a better life for others.

As my partner, Claudine, and I watched the recent debate, she proposed what I believe to be a remarkable idea, which I will outline for the consideration of your readers, as well as the various social and government agencies.

Proposal:

Partner with gas stations to employ two men each as per diem employees (i.e. windscreen washers) and pay each of them approximately $550 day. In order to achieve this, the participating gas stations could add an extra 50 cents per litre (social-improvement expense) to the price of petrol. Her suggestion would also incorporate Howard Hamilton's idea of providing these new employees with named T-shirts and identification cards.

Formula

The formula we devised for determining the $550, assumes a minimum of 200 customers per day with an average purchase of $1,000.00.

[$1,000 is the approximate cost for 11 litres of petrol.]

Formula

11 litres x 200 customers/day = 2,200 litres/day

2,200 litres x 50 cents/litre = $1100 ($550 each)

We have also discussed the idea of the street people being employed as farm workers here in Jamaica, similar to the overseas programme. They could be transported to and from farms daily, or be resident workers. We believe both of these ideas have merit and can be considered by private partners and the Ministry of Agriculture.

Our political leaders, from both the People's National Party and the Jamaica Labour Party, need to take an 'old' look at addressing new conditions in an effort to move the country forward. The notion of doing the same things over and over again, with the hope of getting a different result, is mere stupidity. It is time we come together as one people, to help our less fortunate brothers and sisters.

I am, etc.,

WEZLEY A. RICHARDS

Kingston 3