Live, but let your brother/sister live too

The long dry period, (I am reluctant to use the word season in this age of rapid climate change), is still with us and its impact, though being felt, has not yet been assessed either quantitatively or qualitatively. We have had warnings of shortfalls in the supply of potable water, reminders to conserve during our use of water, and the Fire Department has had to shake off lethargy and respond to numerous calls about fires, domestically or the typical “bush fires.”{{more}}

The real impact of the dry period will not be felt until much later, when its negative effects on agricultural production and the supply of local food becomes more apparent. Indeed, it would be more than useful if the Ministry of Agriculture would do such an assessment and advise us appropriately. In spite of these difficulties, however, we can still thank our lucky stars that we are at least spared the full ravages of drought being experienced in other regions and countries.

Whilst drought is a natural phenomenon over which generally we have no control, (though we can exacerbate the situation depending on how we handle our environment), there are other human-caused socio-economic effects, in addition to the obvious economic harm resulting from long dry periods. These stem largely from our responses to such situations. In small underdeveloped societies like ours, there are huge challenges confronting the poor and underprivileged in regard to ensuring a decent standard of living. Small producers and small entrepreneurs are particularly vulnerable.

However, in our quest for survival, we often resort to practices which can be self-destructive, and result in us “shooting ourselves in the foot.” Even as we follow the “Man must live” line of thinking, we tend to make this an excuse for disregarding the rights of others to exercise their right to a decent living as well and as a licence to do as we please and “to hell with the rest.”

Take the current drought as an example. I remember when it was customary practice for those rearing animals to cut grass to feed their animals, either overnight or especially in the dry periods. The “grass knife” was as much a part of the farmer’s repertoire as the cutlass. Not so today, for there are persons rearing numbers of animals who simply let them loose under the excuse that “dis is dry season.” These animals end up being not only a major nuisance to neighbours, but also cause significant economic loss to farmers. Such irresponsibility is inexcusable and efforts must be made to address it.

Another aspect is our continuing disregard for the environment. In spite of the public education campaigns, we dispose of trash willy-nilly as we consume. The provision of an excellent garbage disposal service and the placement of bins, particularly in Kingstown, have helped, but by and large we still continue to dispose of garbage by the wayside, in gutters, and even throwing from vehicles as we go along. If we can’t hear, we must be made to feel. It is time to both step up the public education and to punish the offenders more heavily.

A similar approach needs to be taken to those who refuse to conform with regulations as regards deforestation and out-of-season hunting. We are simply too tolerant with offenders who happen, most times, to be multiple repeat offenders. Whether it is turtles, iguanas, or the destruction of forests in sensitive and forbidden areas, the threat to our collective existence is too real for us to ignore.

There are other selfish examples as well – the rearing of pigs in residential areas in most unsanitary conditions; the burning of coal-pits, ignoring the difficulty and health-hazards to those suffering with respiratory conditions;

the loud music emanating not just from public vehicles, but increasingly from private vehicles, including at wee hours of the morning and late nights; and our increasing use of foul language and aggressive and violent behaviour in public.

These cannot be excused by “poor people must live.” Yes, we all are entitled to the right of decent standards of living, but don’t our brothers and sisters have that right too? Shouldn’t their rights be respected as well?

renwickrose0@gmail.com

Renwick Rose is a community activist and social com-mentator.