Barbara finds joy in keeping the streets clean

While some may turn up their noses at the idea of collecting garbage, Barbara Armbsy embraces the job with pride.

For the past three years, she has worked as a garbage collector with the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), a job she not only enjoys, but also finds deeply fulfilling.

"Mi really nuh know how fi explain it, but I love this job," Armbsy told THE STAR. She also explained that what makes her love her job even more is the gratitude she receives from the people she serves.

"When mi in the streets and collect the people dem garbage, dem deal wid mi good. Dem tell mi 'morning' and dem things deh, and dem thank mi, and it mek mi feel good and show mi seh mi duh something important weh a lot a people appreciate," she said.

However, not every encounter is positive. Armbsy said she has come in contact with some persons who look down on her profession, making snide remarks or displaying negative attitudes, but she refuses to be discouraged.

"Yuh have one and two persons weh will seh something and show mi bad vibes, but mi nuh really pay that nuh mind. Mi love mi job, so mi nuh mek dem bother mi. Mi just smile and duh mi work," she said. Armbsy noted that there are some dangers associated with the job, but they do not deter her.

"Yes my job is dangerous at times, knowing that I'm handling all kinds of garbage and things can splash in my face which my cause burns... that's why I ensure to protect myself with the necessary precautions," she said. "Persons can be very aggressive to me but I try my best not to answer. But if it's a question that I can answer like, 'why the truck take so long?' I personally will always apologise with a friendly smile." Following the safety protocols whenever she is out with the team collecting, she ensures that she first allows the truck to come to a complete stop before getting on or off.

"Always check if the back of the truck is locked before getting on. Always stay alert in the streets especially when the garbage is at both sides, because you can get hit by motorcycles. Never drive near the wheels and ensure you're not standing behind the truck while it's reversing," she said.

Armbsy's journey to becoming a garbage collector started with a different role. Before she officially joined the NSWMA, Armbsy worked as a street cleaner in downtown Kingston where she found immense satisfaction.

"Mi used to love cleaning the streets because mi like when place clean. Even mi house haffi clean. And mi did love how the people dem downtown deal with mi. Dem did respect mi and always a thank mi fi clean up the place," she recalled. During that time, Armbsy became drawn to garbage collection as she often assisted the collectors.

"When dem fi collect the garbage, mi used to help dem, and mi realise seh this interesting, so mi seh mi wah do this because mi like it," she explained.

Beyond her job, Armbsy has an even greater responsibility at home. As a single mother of four, she works tirelessly to provide for her children. Her eldest, a 16-year-old boy, has a disability and is unable to hear. So, her job, though demanding, allows her to support her family and give them a better life.

"Mi have mi kids dem fi take care of, and mi haffi do wah mi haffi do fi make sure dem good. So even when people show mi bad vibes, dem cah shame me because a this work mek mi put food pan the table and mi proud a that," she said.