The Editor, Sir:

Over the past few months, I have been following with keen interest the vigorous debate on the deleterious ecological consequences of bauxite mining in the Cockpit Country.

While there are some convincing commentaries there is an evidence of a bandwagon effect that seems to suggest that once bauxite mining is excluded from the area this will be a panacea towards maintaining a pristine pollution-free environment. Nothing however, could be further from the truth, as the inadequate social conditions presently existing in the area will eventually prove more damaging than even the entry of bauxite mining could possibly create.

As a frequent visitor to that part of the country I continue to be appalled by the lack of basic amenities such as water supply and adequate toilet facilities. In addition most residents seemingly are oblivious of the negative impact from improperly disposing of their wastes and with the rapidly increasing population the problem of increased pollution can only be further exacerbated.

If we are serious about the protection of the Cockpit Country the approach has to be a comprehensive one, incorporating the residents and various interest groups, as there must be an awareness and sense of responsibility of dealing with the issues, rather than the piecemeal griping at bauxite mining. In this regard the Government must be the main catalyst by creating the necessary infrastructural improvements to stem the increasing environmental erosion so much in evidence throughout the area.

For once, let's get our priorities straight.

I am, etc.,

DERVEN PULLAR

dervenp_1999@yahoo.com

Burlington, Ontario

Canada