Dear Editor,
At the Kitty-Campbellville bus park just next to Demico House runs a drain between the road and the pavement parallel to the St Andrew’s Kirk fence that every commuter knows about, an area where a hive of activities go on daily. People vend all sorts of stuff: they sell snacks ‒ there is a wide menu ‒ men barber; ladies plait hair and manicure; an assortment of beverages is sold among so many other things; and of course there are unrelenting ribald lively discussions, heated arguments and debates on almost every topic and news item around the capital/country that comes to light. All this takes place amidst the regular throng of schoolchildren and commuters of every walk of life ‒ the students themselves locked in unending conversation. As everyone can attest to, this area is forever pulsating, teeming with energy-life, especially at peak hours when the hustle and bustle starts to roar as minibus drivers, conductors, touts and taxi-drivers swing into high gear. This drain is permanently clogged with every conceivable thing imaginable: styrofoam boxes, juice cans, drink bottles, unrecognizable stuff, all unmoving like statues. The water is stagnant with a kind of black-greenish surface that glistens, most unspeakable, obnoxious and repulsive; it is rather nauseous although some parts are covered (boarded up).
Editor, my concern is that this scenario is a perfect recipe for an epidemic. As mentioned above that drain seems stuck in time; hasn’t this most shocking sight attracted the attention of environmental officer, a single medical doctor, a senior medical functionary, any senior executive from the forever vocal private sector, the human rights movement, Child Protection Agency? This is one of the most popular areas next to the courts ‒ my goodness! Doesn’t any member of parliament, members of the judiciary, their wives and children pass by? And don’t tell me that Demico House can’t be affected. Good God, we are a sick people, shouldn’t the police be charging someone for dereliction of duty, which is the same as breaking the law?
I’m aware that there are many other drains and trenches which are even worse, but look what goes around this area: foods are sold daily. But you know what, apparently it is not so bad after all. Never do you see anyone turning up their nose because of any stench; no sir, I myself don’t remember smelling any such thing, so maybe it will not be until a dead body shows up that then, and only then, action will be taken.Tell me how could we permit something like this?
But like they said in the ‘No big thing’ show; this is Guyana and “anything can happen.”
Yours faithfully,
Frank Fyffe