Sir, - I was recently in Cork on a brief visit after an absence of over 30 years. I was intrigued to learn that there is an on-going discussion in Ireland about the littering problem. I live in Singapore, which enjoys the reputation of being the cleanest city state in the world.
Singapore, population 3.5 million, is comparatively densely populated. It has about the same number of potential litterers as Ireland. Littering, including spitting and depositing chewing gum, is only one of the curses of modern life that has been identified in Singapore.
As well as heavy fines the solution to the problem in Singapore has been to remind the population of the long-held Asian belief that the well-being of the community at large should take precedence over the rights of the individual wherever there is conflict between the two principles. This contrasts with the popular "modern" Western view that the rights of the individual must be protected at all costs.
The campaigns are backed up by the provision of well-located litter-bins and appropriate penalties for not using them. There is a warning for the first offence. For the second offence the culprit is ordered to join a gang, under supervision, cleaning a park or beach, wearing a T-shirt indicating his misdemeanour. Incorrigible offenders are fined. The results are spectacular. - Yours, etc.,
Eric H. Stevenson, Jalan Berjaya, Singapore.