Plastic (2018; revised April24)

Four chaps fined yesterday for smoking at the Wadi tables, $200 or one day in lieu, the uncle who had decided against by-pass revealed at his place by the pillar.
        The sudden raid was carried out by the Enviro lads, two men caught either side, on Geylang and Onan. Getting a meal and tolerable cell conditions, forty dollar earnings per day security and cleaning, the decision was a no-brainer. (Yanasagaran, who continued in Security, told the story commented that those rates applied no longer. More like $60 per day on that gig now, even foreign workers.)
         Then, from the newspaper the plastic problem here. Bags, containers, wrappings &etc. &etc.
         “Plastic is bad, but are alternatives better?..."
         Graphics, statistics and the relevant Minister in a picture that sufficiently told the story.
         Mid-fifties plus high maintenance Madam—affordable on her salary—cut/dye bob with highlights at the points, tatooed brows, long glued lashes, lippy & foundation. (A more knowledgeable expert might extend the list.)
         Plastic?! WTF.
         (Our own Australian Foreign Minister accomplished the task with so much more class and delicacy, except in the case of her particular weakness for jewellery.)
         Dr. Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for the Environment and Water Resources explained why her ministry was not implementing a plastic bag levy.
         Donald’s comb-over, Melania’s sculpting, Silvio’s implant and surgery, Najib’s wife’s hair and wardrobe, not forgetting Michele & Oprah’s cuticles, jewellery and dresses, would you be putting money on the Enviro horse.
         ….Adding: a year ago the author was apprehended by two young plainclothes at the Haig carrying 2-3 naked oranges in hand.
         — You pay for those sir?...
        Marched back to Mr. Lim’s stall between the pair.
        Walking anywhere with uncovered fruit in Singapore always drew attention, let alone the case of a tall White with authentic panama.
        Pisang of whatever size invariably brought gasps and eye-popping, sometimes cheeky remarks from both men and ladies.

NB. Unable to contain the curiosity, a quick Google search turned up a sixtieth birthday upcoming for Amy Khor, Doctor of Philosophy in land management, Reading.

                                                                                                                           Singapore, March 2018