Dear Editor,

The island of Jamaica is slowly crawling back towards normality after the devastation of Hurricane Melissa.

While we gather metaphorically sharp pieces of memory and tenaciously move forward to restoration, many pieces of debris remain uncollected, and some are being used to rebuild old structures that are still vulnerable to further damage. Indeed, Jamaica must rise again from the ashes, but we must wisely adopt a proactive mindset towards natural disasters.

Some have suggested replacing existing infrastructure with stronger, more resilient systems; others have recommended reducing our carbon footprint to combat climate change, and many are urging us to fervently repent — a sentiment with which I am in full agreement. Going forward, we — as both administrators and citizens — must incorporate risk-assessment principles and practices to significantly reduce the loss of life and destruction.

The Pareto Principle suggests that 20 per cent of contributing factors can lead to 80 per cent of the problems we experience. During periods of inclement weather, Jamaica clearly has a chronic drainage weakness which rapidly leads to flash floods and landslides.

I recently drove on one of the major streets in downtown Kingston one morning and as expected it was teeming with buzzing customers, busy pedestrians, and the unsightly presence of refuse near drains and gutters.

The excessive rubbish caught my attention, as it serves as a breeding ground for many pests that act as vectors for numerous diseases, including leptospirosis, cholera, and dengue. Additionally, many drains are severely impeded due to blockages. Admittedly, garbage collection crews were present, working to clean the heavily littered areas; however, I am certain that being proactive will be economically and civically beneficial to all in the long term.

Here are a few suggestions for the way forward as we proactively tackle our incessant garbage troubles:

• Jamaica can significantly reduce flooding and drain blockages by upgrading its waste-management systems. This includes increasing the frequency of garbage collection, installing covered community dumpsters, and ensuring drains are routinely cleared, especially before and during the rainy season.

• A consistent, well-funded public education campaign is essential to changing behaviour. Schools, communities, and businesses should promote recycling, proper waste disposal, and the environmental consequences of littering.

• Creating more accessible recycling centres and incentivising plastic, metal, and cardboard return can significantly reduce the volume of refuse entering drains and gullies. Supporting regular community clean-up events, especially in high-risk flood zones, will help maintain clear waterways while fostering civic pride and shared responsibility.

Jamaica’s fight against flooding and the spread of disease begins with the simple choices each citizen makes daily. By choosing not to litter and by treating waste responsibly, every Jamaican becomes part of the solution, helping to build a cleaner, safer, and more resilient nation.

Dujean Edwards

Lecturer

dujeanedwards@gmail.com