A perfect time to evaluate our actions
NOW MORE than ever the environment matters, not only in Jamaica, but worldwide. We see mass destruction caused by natural disasters and all world citizens are now faced with the questions of how they can help to mitigate this and how I can help to reduce my carbon footprint.
The answers to these questions depend on our actions – will we take steps to preserve, protect and care for the environment, will we continue doing what we are doing, or will we wish it away? One thing is certain, now is the time to act.
Solid Waste Day is a perfect time to stop and evaluate our actions and our efforts. I want each person to commit to the three Rs by reducing and generating less garbage, reusing items such as water bottles, old clothes and newspaper and recycling – especially separating plastics from regular household garbage as well as composting at home.
PUSH FOR A CLEANER JAMAICA
This year, our focus is on ‘Better Solid Waste Management, Healthier Jamaica’. There is no excuse to dump illegally or irresponsibly. I encourage all to use bins and containerise our solid waste, thus contributing to a cleaner society.
As the head of the NSWMA, I pledge my commitment to taking the lead to implement measures that ensure consistent and efficient operations at the four regional bodies. These entities are charged with, among other things, the responsibility of making timely collection and keeping our streets and communities clean; they are well on the way to achieving this. Since March of this year, we have been adding new trucks to our fleet. This will see a total of 30 new trucks added by the end of the financial year. We have also intensified our public education and enforcement and compliance efforts.
STAFF OUR GREATEST ASSET
Emphasis has been placed on our staff – our greatest assets. Training and development of each team member is paramount, and equally, we are giving them the tools for the job. This includes offices from which they can perform their duties and providing basic facilities and equipment to get the job done. With this, the foundation is set from which each member can achieve optimal performance. There is no place for complacency, laziness or nonperformance.
Accountability and transparency are now engrained in each team member and our actions in recent times bear fruit of this.
By no means are we where we want to be, but we are far ahead of where we were. This is an indication that we are making significant strides and improving our service delivery to the people of Jamaica.
We are working to make improvements in several areas in the coming months, and I ask that you hold us accountable and support our initiatives as we work to make Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business, because Jamaica’s Beauty Is Our Duty. AUDLEY GORDON Executive Director NSWMA