DANCEHALL deejay Macka Diamond is challenging the Government to have an ongoing national beautification programme which will assist in lifting the spirit and pride of the nation.

“I remember, as a child, my grandmother would virtually beat in our heads the phrase ‘Cleanliness is next to godliness’; that God does not support unsightliness. And we had to sweep the yard every single morning — even if it was already clean. We grew up knowing that we needed to keep our schools clean, and we had natural pride in our country,” she said.

She feels the timely removal of garbage pile-up, drain cleaning, tree planting and the maintenance of public spaces would be well received.

She also urged Jamaicans to assist the project by not throwing garbage on the roads and by helping to keep Jamaica clean.

“Let’s get back to those days when roadways, such as Mandela Highway and Washington Boulevard, were a beauty to pass through and schemes [could] compete for the best kept trophy,” she said.

Over the years governments have spent millions on beautification programmes. In 2019 Prime Minister Holness announced a $1.3-billion beautification programme to be spearheaded by the Members of Parliament.

Macka Diamond is currently promoting a song titled Wuk Off.

“This was released a year ago on the Gold Stone label. It did not get any promotion due to the pandemic… It’s a good song. Wuk Off will be the feature song on my upcoming album which is scheduled to drop this August,” she said.

Other songs expected to be on the album are Play Tune and Cucumber.

Macka Diamond recently returned from four shows in Costa Rica. From last March to April she had three shows in South Africa.

Born Charmaine Munroe, Macka Diamond is known for songs including Bun Him, Dye Dye, Money-O, and Cow Foot.