SWIMMING UPSTREAM – Green spaces disappearing

Sorry readers, but I prefer a bit of suspense.You must never be able to hook what is the next issue as this salmon swims upstream.To end the suspense my column today is on the issue of the environment. In this regard I will write, hopefully for the benefit of the following ministers, those in the ministries assigned to environment, health, transport and works and housing. Green spaces are an enticement to neighbours to venture outside regularly. These outings are the foundation for lasting friendships. In a study conducted by the University of Illinois on public housing development, women living in apartment buildings with trees and greenery immediately outside reported greater effectiveness and less procrastination in dealing with their major life issues than those living in barren but otherwise identical buildings.In addition, the women in greener surroundings found their problems to be less difficult and of shorter duration. Thus it seems that trees help poor inner city residents cope better with the demands of living in poverty, feel more hopeful about the future, and manage their most important problems more effectively. Those living in apartment buildings with trees and greenery immediately outside also reported committing fewer aggressive and violent acts than those living in barren but otherwise identical buildings. People who reported a larger range of aggressive behaviours over their lifetime also had worse scores on a test of concentration.Low scores on tests that demand concentration can be as a result of high levels of mental fatigue. The study demonstrated that those living in barren housing were both more fatigued and more aggressive. Thus, the conclusion was that exposure to green surroundings reduces mental fatigue and the feeling of irritability that accompanies it.Following that logic, when we continue to remove our trees and sugar cane fields we will have to build another prison for the expected crime rise. From the air Coverley aka Coverley Cluster looks like a concentration camp.  Minister of Housing and Lands Michael Lashley, as my personal friend, the zero lot line housing concept should remain over and away.Why do we condemn the United States for deporting criminals when we adopt housing measures which breed crime? Just another unbiased, no bull, keeping it honest view from a Salmon relaxing underneath a tree!•Kammie Holder, the boy from the village is amazed at how concrete and playparks are replacing trees and green areas.