New year, new look for litter wardens at the SWMC. The first working week of 2017 saw the litter wardens decked out in their spanking new uniforms. It’s lime green, depicting the color of the environment and a plain white embroidery of the colors. To top things off, the litter wardens are required to wear their ids so they can be easily identifiable with the public. And from all accounts, they love the new look. The litter wardens told The Insider that the new uniforms make them identifiable to the public and some of them believe it will make them earn even more respect. We know it’s not easy being a litter warden, as dealing with the public especially on matters of waste disposal infringements can be hostile and sometimes dangerous. Lorna De Souza, however hopes to get the respect of the public when she goes out in her uniform. “All of us litter wardens need our uniforms for quite some time now and I hope that the public, now that we are in uniform will be more aware of litter wardens, seeing us (now) in uniform,” Lorna said.

Sandra Caines, one of the longest serving members of staff, wearing the uniforms will make their jobs much easier. “We’re looking a bit better than how we used to (dress). Instead of wearing our own clothes, we will just go out in our uniforms for the new year,” Sandra said. For Camilla Matthew, the new uniforms are just that—new uniforms. “It feels good. It feels like you are wearing a uniform,” she said with pride.

Another litter warden Tyasha Henry said the new uniforms gives them a sense of ownership. “It gives us a sense of ownership to show that we’re here—to let everyone know that the litter wardens are here and what to expect from the litter wardens,” said Tyasha. “We hope to have more respect so that when we go in the areas, that people respect us as ladies, as mothers….when we do our jobs,” she added.