Jamaica is among the most beautiful places on earth. However, over the years, garbage has accumulated EVERYWHERE. I’m not sure why, but people throw everything, anywhere, anytime. This was one of the first things I noticed when I moved to JA, how beautiful it is, but how much garbage there is. Much of it is plastic bottles, black scandal bags and food containers.
A while ago, I went on a tour of the mangroves in the harbour, and the amount of refuse collected at the shore was heart-breaking. The guide told us that it had started to degrade the land and that it was affecting the wildlife, in that they were starting to moderate their patterns to avoid the garbage. And when it rains? The storm drains all over are clogged with garbage, so flooding occurs.
Orchestrated by the Jamaica Environment Trust, Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica is a new campaign aimed at educating the public about cleaning up after oneself. It is catchy and it is airing on television and radio. It also features a “drama” series on radio and gives people a chance to win prizes. I hope it has an impact.
Garbage at Port Royal.
Jamaican Journal 