A naturalised Jamaican made a shocking comment recently, and I am still chewing on it. He said that, based on his observation, Jamaica was almost at the level of Haiti. I expounded with a resounding "No".

One of the points he made was that because of lack of toilet facilities, some vendors on the streets of downtown Kingston were offloading human excrement into scandal bags and depositing them wherever they pleased. I cannot validate the statement, but I do know that some squatters along a seaside area are known to indulge in this unhealthy habit.

Hard-working team

Jamaica can boast that she has a hard-working and dedicated team of public health workers, and I would pray that the matter be investigated and dealt with speedily. The parish councils and communities should ensure that toilets and hand-washing areas are in place wherever vending takes place.

We are currently facing some very serious issues and we have to start rethinking training for the next generation. We have to develop a new thrust for education, from the womb to the tomb. Even if this generation is indisciplined, at least we can do our best to ensure a more evolved, involved and disciplined people.

I am, etc.,

VERNA GORDON BINNS

theashton@cwjamaica.com

St Elizabeth