Dear Editor,

The recent revelations of the unhygienic and disgusting act of one vendor at Crab Circle in Kingston has rightfully revolted every decent Jamaican.

Thankfully, this failure of basic decency and rudimentary sanitary practice was recorded and shared by someone who saw the need to alert the public to the sordid act. This brave Jamaican should be rewarded and showered with praises.

For too long in this society there has been a prevailing anti-informant culture. As a people we have developed all sorts of justifications and rationalisations for not reporting acts which bring hurt and certain danger to various people in this society. The result of this wall of silence has been the flourishing of various violent and non-violent crimes, domestic violence, and a wide range of other consequences which make Jamaica an unpleasant place to be. These are further supported by the unfortunate mantra — “Informa fi dead!”

Ironically, it is the person who committed the gross act of indecency whose image is making the rounds on social media. Her picture is now the butt (pun intended) of many jokes and commentaries. Let us, however, use the opportunity to promote the person who recorded and shared the nasty act as a public heroine. It is quite appropriate to publicly shower this person with praises and rewards for her courageous and selfless deed. All attempts to label her in a negative light should be shunned and treated with scorn. Good people of means and influence should provide her with opportunities and put her on a pedestal as a model of the new brave and decent Jamaican who cares for others.

Let us not treat this as another nine-day wonder. Let us use it as an opportunity to promote a new culture that fosters us being our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. Let us use this as a teachable opportunity to show that “informa fi live!”, and live well too. When this is done, Jamaica will be well on the road to being a better and safer place.

Duane Harris

doharris@hotmail.com