The Editor, Sir:

Here is a copy of a letter that I sent to Mayor Montague of Port Maria in reply to the customary birthday card that he sends to all his constituents.

Dear Mayor Montague:

Thank you for the birthday card with a photo of the old arched bridge on White River, which is one of the most beautiful rivers in Jamaica and has been a cherished spot by locals and tourists for many years. Not far below the bridge is the White River Valley flower garden and tourist attraction.

Sadly, from the north coast highway turn-off on to the Prospect road which runs parallel to White River, solid waste and garbage, including old stoves, washing machines, shingles, tyres, car batteries, pieces of wrecked cars, building debris, dead dogs, rotten chicken and fish and plastic of all types are being thrown all along the road. The largest concentration of refuse is being dumped into a ravine on the left turn from the Prospect road going up to Three Hills and Liberty Pen Housing Scheme. If this continues, the residue of this illegal dump will destroy one of Jamaica's priceless treasures.

I have called theHealth Department in Port Maria and various environmental agencies, to no avail. Dumps such as these are a prime source for disease and pollution. There must be a massive eco-educational programme introduced, and environmental laws enforced.

Please Mr. Mayor and all concerned, let's clean up the rivers, and sea coast and all of 'Jamaica land we love'.

I am, etc.,

KAREN SCHLEIFER

Tower Isle, St.Mary

Via Go-Jamaica

glorybe@cwjamaica.com