Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Letter to The Straits Times: Rope in Rope in grassroots leaders to educate on cleanliness


My letter to The Straits Times on the above matter is published today – Wednesday 4th February 2015.

In his letter (“Why turn beautiful city into garbage dump?; last Saturday), Mr Eugene Wong rightly pointed out that many people would not want to leave trash or leftovers in their own homes.

Singapore has a reputation of being a clean and green city, but this can so easily be wiped out overnight if we do not make every effort to keep our environment in a tidy state.


If everyone adopts an attitude that “if it is not my business, I do not need to know or do not need to care”, then our garden city will be a thing of the past and the tourist dollar will be badly affected.  When this happens, our economy will take a beating, and jobs will evaporate.


Our natural inclination when negative situations come on-stream is to release our inner hulk and bash. Undoubtedly, negative reactions will make the circumstances worse and we will be filled with disappointment and anger.


Rather than escalate a negative situation, we can always come up with ideas and suggestions to turn it into a positive one. To this end, I suggest that the People’s Association solicit the help of our grassroots leaders to work with the organisers during large-scale outdoors events.


These grassroots leaders, who are the eyes and ears of the Government and who play an important role in the community, can educate the public on the importance of keeping our city clean.


Announcements advising people to tidy up the place before, during and after the event can help eradicate garbage dumping.


Let us all do our part as active citizens to make Singapore the best home to live, work and play in.

Raymond Anthony Fernando

http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-letters/story/rope-grassroots-leaders-educate-cleanliness-20150204



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