Dear Editor,

Sugar cane and its main by-product, sugar — burdened by a history rooted in the harsh legacy of slavery — no doubt contributed to a modern aversion to all things sugary. Nonetheless, sugary substances should not bear the brunt of punitive attitudes and policies arising from the injustices of the past. We must press forward with perspective and balance.

As children, we were told that sugar cane could be used to help clean one’s teeth. A popular by-product of sugar is rum, which has recognised medicinal, therapeutic, and even “entertainment” benefits. As with all things, moderation and control are key; what is consumed in reasonable measure is not necessarily harmful.

The deeper issue lies in the lack of access to clean, potable water in sufficient quantities to meet household needs. Many communities have no reliable indoor plumbing or even nearby wells to facilitate cleaning, washing, or essential daily hygiene.

Where bottled water is available, this scarce commodity must often be reserved for basic dental care, food preparation, and even bathing. Very little remains for drinking. As a result, alternatives such as bag juice, sodas, and other non-perishable, long shelf-life sweetened beverages become critical for daily survival.

It is neither practical nor equitable to mandate dietary restrictions without providing viable alternatives. The solution is not as simple as banning sugary drinks or imposing high taxes on foods disproportionately consumed by the poor. Public health strategies must reflect the lived realities of all Jamaicans.

Educational institutions should play a central role by ensuring access to clean water and teaching practical solutions such as rainwater harvesting and safe water treatment methods for consumption.

While the guidance and concerns of the Paediatric Association of Jamaica are appreciated, those responsible for national water management must ensure that this most basic necessity — water — is accessible to all citizens.

Householders, too, can explore independent and creative methods to harvest rainwater and conserve usage. Grey water from washing and rinsing can be repurposed for cleaning, flushing, and even supporting plant life. Additionally, greater emphasis must be placed on the use of hoses and proper water delivery systems to reduce the need for lifting and carrying heavy containers. The repeated strain of transporting water in this manner can contribute to long-term damage of the skeletal system, particularly the spine and joints.

Private sector entities can assist by donating water tanks, storage systems, and appropriate equipment — including hoses — to ease access and distribution, while helping to prevent physical injury within households. Moreover, branding on these water containers can serve as a viable form of advertising, offering visibility and potential profit to sponsoring entities while simultaneously supporting a vital social need.

Access to water is not a luxury — it is a necessity. Any policy aimed at improving public health must begin there.

Helen-Ann Elizabeth

helenannelizabethwilkinson@yahoo.co.uk