JAMONOMICS

It's something no one really wants to talk about, because we are all guilty. The Riverton Dump services the metropolitan area of Kingston and Spanish Town and is quickly becoming a scathing embarrassment. But while some may scoff at those who derive a livelihood from scavenging through the trash we leave behind, we should really be looking at ourselves.

There was a time long ago when we didn't have to pay these things much attention, but today the world is different. the dump is a breeding ground for diseases and because of the inadequacies of disposing of medical garbage, it serves as a facilitator of the transmission of STD's. Unfortunately, the general public is not really aware of what happens at the dump and just how sad the situation is for the poorest of the poor.

The dump also negatively affects corporate Jamaica. With the frequent occurrences of spontaneous combustion which results in fires that last days on end, businesses are unable to remain open due to heavy smoke.

While plans to develop the dump have been on the table, so far i have not seen any indication that the dump has been upgraded as planned.

In line with environmental aims of the OYW 2010 summit that I was a part, the Jamaican Ambassadors have decided to tackle the problem of the Riverton City dump and try to raise awareness and mobilize an effort that will lead to some solutions.

I will make sure to keep you all posted!