In 2012 when we assumed office, the editorials, letters from the public, comments from our stakeholders all pointed to the fact that the City was dirty. As many said “ it dutty”. We had several discussions with NSWMA, provided the Councillors with a list of contact persons and still the KSAC bore the brunt of the complaints and accusations.
In our own internal discussions at our retreat, among our Councillors and members of staff, we felt that we had to do something. Indeed, we were clear that our priorities had to include building a clean safe and thriving Kingston & St. Andrew. It was out of these discussions that the Corporate Area Beautification team was born.
We began with specific focus on improving the conditions at the St. William Grant Park and cleaning up several streets in and around downtown. The truth is that the team started with downtown but the idea was always to have several teams working across Kingston & St. Andrew so that other town centres would also be improved. We have spent the past two years working with the model. I admit that I have been extremely pleased at the comments I get from business people and those who work downtown about the improved cleanliness of our surroundings. Bear in mind that this team is in addition to whatever the NSWMA is doing as it relates to garbage collection and their own sweeping arrangements.
What has become clear is that we often start out in the morning with very clean surroundings but throughout the day it degenerates. In part, many individuals need to be more responsible for the way they dispose of their garbage. They also need to understand that just throwing their garbage on the streets could not be acceptable. As many of you would know, there are actually businesses that transport their garbage from their own premises and drop it off where ever they get a chance. Then too there are those who do not live in the area that do the same. What is urgently needed is continued public education, which we know is underway but we know that behaviours don’t change overnight.
The Beautification team has received accolades from several persons who work or do business downtown. I want therefore on behalf of the KSAC to offer our heartiest congratulations on making a difference. The plan now is to make sure that Papine, Cross Roads, Halfway Tree, Manor Park, and other strategic points are also given that kind of attention.
All of this is in addition to the thousands of notices served each year, across the municipality, by the City Inspector and his team for the removal of old fridges, abandoned vehicles, construction debris, illegal structures blocking our sidewalks, etc. and public health notices served on individuals for bushing of their property. I must say that many of these notices result in compliance and in individuals doing the right thing.