I now live in a dead-end street that includes a gym and a private school with the resultant traffic and parking issues. Aside from students' parents parking in front my gate the thing that challenges me most is this culture of litter that seems instituted in Trinidad.
Every day I routinely have to pick up plastic bottles, KFC boxes, candy wrappers etc, from the roadside in front my home. I'm trying to understand this behaviour and ways we as a people can change this culture.
What is it that causes us to consistently disrespect our environment? In our hierarchy of needs is it that we are still at the bottom, ie, concerned only with seeking food and shelter and nothing else?
Are we still hunters and gatherers depending on the environment to cleanse itself as we slash and burn our way? Why then do the culprits include the educated middle-class who obviously can afford gym and private school fees?
Can the government do more by providing secure bins with regular pick-ups? Can schools do more to educate the next generation?
I will try to be optimistic and hope for the better for this beautiful country, even as I stoop every day to pick up the litter left by others. I pretend I'm doing tai chi exercises or bowing to my ancestors or Mother Earth.
Leo ChanChow
Via e-mail