Dear Editor,

My letter today is in response to Mr. Russell Simmons' letter of Tuesday, where he states he does not want to see his ministers getting down and dirty by cleaning up garbage, as Minister de Weever did with the World Wetlands Clean Up of Snoopy Island and the lagoon. To say I am shocked by this comment is putting it mildly. Your comment, Mr. Simmons, truly sends the wrong message.

"Do the lip service, but do not go out there with your yard clothes and clean up."

Are you serious, Mr. Simmons? Surely you are joking. The problem we face on this island is that there is too much lip service and not enough of really doing what is needed.

Are you aware that most of that garbage and plastic that was cleaned up in the lagoon on Saturday is land based garbage? It is OUR garbage, and we all have a responsibility to keep this island clean and to participate with hard work whenever we can. I mean EVERYONE, from you to me and to all the politicians too.

I applaud Minister de Weever for being the only minister with enough interest and motivation to come out and actually get "down and dirty." Good for him!

I hope when we have our next clean up at the Zoo, or any place else on the island, that Minister de Weever gives us a helping hand. I will also invite all other ministers to participate and you too, Russell Simmons.

Set an example for others. Instead of "talking the talk," you must also "walk the walk."

That's what I expect of MY ministers!

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Cannegieter