The Editor, Sir:

When the transport centre was opened in Half-Way Tree some months ago, I admired its pristine cleanliness and the manager's firm determination that there would be no vendors to obstruct its use by the general public. I felt proud of Jamaica and the police as they determinedly kept the area free of vending. The 'No Vending' signs were definitive in their prominent placement and intent . "At last," I thought!

Then imagine my surprise and chagrin, when a month or so ago as I drove by, I noted a vendor, seated firmly below the "No Vending" sign, as if defying anyone to remove her from a spot she had clearly declared as her own. She gave the phrase 'hiding in plain sight' a new and threatening meaning.

YOUNG VENDORS

As I stared at her, in amazement, from the safety of my car, our eyes locked and she returned my stare defiantly. A policeman stood by, apparently oblivious to what was happening. Not surprisingly, I noted a few weeks ago, that she had been joined by a young male vendor, and I have no doubt that others will follow.

In my mind's eye, I fast forward five years, and see riots in the streets of Half-Way Tree, as police try to move dozens of vendors, who now completely block access to the centre as commuters valiantly try to pick their way over ackee, breadfruit, shirt and pants and various other wares, so as to access a transport centre, now transformed with graffiti, garbage and confusion.

We will all be guilty, if this happens, because we have kept silent.

So, through this letter, I have decided to put in my penny's worth by making a personal plea to the authorities to stop this cancer before it spreads. Let us demonstrate that we can establish and maintain law and order, by enforcing obedience to the rules that have been clearly laid out for the public to follow in the use of the transport centre. We must begin somewhere to demand public responsibility and discipline, and a determination that there must be obedience of the laws in our society.

When little problems are ignored, big problems will inevitably appear. In the thrust towards a disciplined law-abiding society, prevention is way better than cure!

I am, etc.,

ELAINE COMMISSIONG

Public Relations, Advertising &

Marketing Consultant

Hilton Kingston hotel