THE EDITOR, Sir: Those of us who suffer from respiratory illnesses such as asthma and other related health

issues hurt daily because of the State's inability to ensure the provision of clean air and water to its citizenry. Additionally, the State's failure to adequately monitor and address issues of encroachment by commercial entities on residential communities has made the issue of environmental pollution unbearable. Just imagine an individual moving into a neighbourhood and converting a residential dwelling into a garage. Just imagine the burning fumes of gasolene oil penetrating one's nostril as the substance is used to wash car parts. es, imagine the torture of the constant !noc!ing on metal in an attempt to repair motor vehicles while you are trying to study or get some rest. "ollutants have no regard or respect of boundaries# This scenario continues to happen in many communities across the length and breadth of Jamaica, and sadly, will continue for some time to come. $hy% &ecause the society in which we live is based on a 'might'is'right' premise, where the economically powerful and politically connected among us are treated in a different manner. Sadly, the rest of us are either sidelined or !ic!ed to the curb to fend for ourselves while suffering the inconvenience and distress of such an e(istence. )t appears that the *overnment's main environmental agency, the +ational ,nvironment and "lanning Agency -+,"A., is short of resources both human and financial and, as such, can do so much and no more. $hy must things be li!e this% The trans'boundary nature of environmental pollution ma!es it even more problematic to manage it ' one cannot build a fence between one's neighbour to regulate the assault on the environment due to their negligence or selfish attitude. At the end of the day, as we move forward as a country see!ing sustainable development, along with providing employment for a growing population, we should ma!e all attempts to balance the effect of development on the environment. Wayne Campbell waykam@yahoo.com