Garbage collectors hope Christmas isn’t a waste

As Christmas draws near, many families return home to find a handwritten note tucked beneath a door or between the bars of a gate.

Scribbled across the paper are simple words, "Season's greetings, Don't forget us this Christmas -- from your garbage collector." For some residents, the notes serve as a welcome reminder but for others, they are quickly shrugged aside.

Sherine Bromfield, who came into the spotlight in 2010 as a member of the first batch of female garbage collectors, has spent almost 20 years helping to keep Jamaica clean. As she made her rounds during her morning route in central Kingston, she told the news team that she has never felt compelled to ask, due to the relationship built with residents over the years .

"I never ask them, because me and them move good," she said. "Once them have anything for me, I will get it. If their bin is not outside, I can open the gate and go in for it."

Almost on cue, Bromfield, known to many residents as 'Shorty', swung open a gate along Charles Street, explaining that residents know her well because of her dedication, especially to the elderly.

"Old people know when Shorty come through, because I help them," she said with a laugh. "Mi naa help no big tough man bring out them garbage, but old people, I look out for them. Mi go way in the yard for them garbage."

However, she admitted that this Christmas "don't feel 'Christmassy' at all".

"Right now, the only wish is long life, good health and strength," she said. While she said that expectations are low, she admitted that some residents still find ways to show appreciation during the season.

"Some look out for we still, enuh, them give a little something in we hand, a little money, sometime cake, sometime a drink," she said. "But anything we get, we just bless them up."

This year, she said gratitude matters more than ever, especially as many families are still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Melissa, which battered sections of the western parishes.

"Everything rough this Christmas. The people dem a country weh Melissa mash up, dem a get the help now. We understand. If dem can't give us, me just want to know dem alright. Maybe we can find something to eat, and dem maybe cannot," she said.

Community Relations Manager at the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), Sharnon Williams, said the practice of leaving notes is neither permitted nor encouraged by the agency.

"The NSWMA does not permit soliciting or begging. Workers are paid, and the service is funded by property taxes, so there is no need to request. If residents choose to show appreciation, that is fine, but it is not encouraged." Williams said.

She noted that several employees were among those affected by the hurricane. To support them, the agency has activated its My Brother's Keeper programme.

"[It] allows workers to support each other by sowing a seed, whether items or money from their pockets to help those affected purchase building materials and so on," Williams explained.

Other garbage collectors operating along Spanish Town Road said their expectations for this Christmas are low.

"Mi don't have time fi sit down and write letter and ask, but last year, by dem time ya we would already get a little thing. This year dry," one worker said.

"Wi usually look forward to even the Christmas party from the company, but mi a hear say all that get put off. But as long as we have life and alright, we good" he added.

Earlier this month, the Cabinet issued a directive cancelling Christmas parties across government entities. However, Williams said NSWMA workers should not feel discouraged, as the agency remains committed to showing appreciation, just on a smaller scale.

"There won't be big venues or fancy dressing, but through smaller gatherings, we will still eat cake, drink sorrel and show our appreciation. We can't thank our workers enough for what they do, and they will definitely not be neglected," she said.