During a drive from Simpson Bay to Philipsburg via Link One on Thursday morning it was notable how much trash could be seen lying near and even on the road. Several carton boxes, sheets of plastic and other debris that probably fell while being transported “decorated” much of the landscape along one of the busiest tourist routes over Cole Bay Hill.
What’s more, at least one motorist visibly flung a cup out of the window, joining it seemed like hundreds of others, cans, bottles, food containers, etc., already strewn all over the place. To top it off, there was large piece of plywood with protruding nails lying in the middle of the road near the Divi and Belair resorts that drivers were forced to swerve around, which presumably also must have come off a truck.
It’s unbelievable that all this is still going on in 2019. Some people just can’t seem to understand that polluting your own surroundings is not only wrong but incredibly dumb. After all, they probably would not empty a garbage bag in their bedroom, kitchen or living areas.
Of course, the culprits unfairly rely on roadside cleaning paid for by government with tax dollars to remove the mess they create. The same thing goes for beachgoers who leave behind rubbish and depend on vendors or volunteers willing to give their time and effort to pick up after these litterbugs.
One would almost be tempted to suggest they refrain from doing so out of sheer frustration. However, that would surely make matters worse for the rest of the population which doesn’t deserve such.
Properly securing loads on vehicles is an issue local nature organisations and successive ministers in charge of the environment have hammered on for years. Why is it that the message apparently keeps falling on deaf ears?
Raising environmental awareness among the youth will provide the obvious long-term solution. However, it’s high time certain adults too change their ways and learn to behave in a civilised manner.
Looking for a simple but significant New Year’s resolution? Stop dirtying your island!
