Lisa Young and Company dramatise the experience of a garbage collector at the launch of a training seminar held last Thursday at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston. - photo by Shelly-Ann Thompson

Starting today, almost 400 street sweepers and solid waste management workers from four parishes will be trained in areas such as conflict resolution and dress code.

The Waste Management Association, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Environment, will be holding a 12-day 'revolutionary training' for the workers, at a cost of $350,000.

Workers drawn

Workers will be drawn from St. Catherine, St. Thomas, Clarendon, Kingston and St. Andrew.

At the launch of the seminars at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston, last Thursday, organisers declared their intention to change the stereotypical perception of garbage collectors' dress and conduct.

Ann Taylor, of Ann Taylor and Associates, who will be conducting the training seminars, promised that a new day was dawning for these workers. "While the training will entail sanitation, hygiene and time management, a major emphasis will be placed on how they handle themselves; how they deal with fear, resentment and anger on the job," said Taylor.

Christopher Powell, acting executive director of the National Solid Waste Management Authority, said the training was important as Jamaica seeks to develop a customer-friendly and service-oriented economy. "After the training we must have continuous reinforcement that over time behaviour will change," he said.

Along with the three-hour per day training seminar, the garbage collectors will be outfitted with new uniforms which include brightly coloured t.shirts in red, blue and yellow.

At the launch, a few of the participants acknowledged the importance of the seminar and said that the training was greatly appreciated.

"It is not an easy work, but it is getting better," said Paul Linton, a solid waste contractor from the Corporate Area.

"I am getting old so I was considering to retire but with all the new things coming on board I am wondering if I should reconsider staying" added Mr. Linton.