They sweep our streets, deliver our mail, and collect our trash on a daily basis.

And through the sun and the rain they make sure those services are provided -- even if it means getting past those pesky dogs who try to make it very difficult.

Postmen and women, street sweepers, and garbage collectors do a great job for the community as a whole.

Yes, sometimes they aren't in the best moods but, with dogs snarling at them, trash strewn along the road, and having to walk miles just to find the mailbox, who can blame them.

With Labour Day fast approaching we spoke to workers in these occupations to find out how they felt about their jobs. Did they think their work was appreciated by the general public? Postman Wilmont Simmons said some people did appreciate it when he delivered their mail and some people obviously did not.

"I say obviously because there are some people who put their mailbox where they think it is cute, which is not at the entrance to their home. It is in a place where the mail person can not just ride up and drop the mail off,'' Mr.

Simmons said.

He added: "And some people think their dogs are the best little things in the world but when one of my co-workers was delivering mail he got on a porch and didn't realise that there was a pit bull sitting there. The dog came running after him and he literally went through the screen door.

"Some people have to realise that when they are not on their premises their dogs tend to protect the yard. They don't realise that the post person is there to do a service and their dog thinks he is protecting so he reacts and that hampers the service.'' Mr. Simmons also said that one particular problem house, if it was at the beginning of a neighbourhood, could prevent the rest of the neighbourhood receiving proper service.

"The post office has a policy that the dog should be controlled for the post worker's safety so if it is causing a problem we are not going to take a chance,'' he said. "Therefore, others might suffer as a result.'' Mr. Simmons also added that people could make things much easier if they used the correct address. If not, the mail was likely to be sent back or would take longer to get to its destination.

"On the whole I do not feel we are recognised for the job we do even when the service is good and we are out there on a regular basis trying to do our best.

We are only recognised when things go wrong.

"They complain in public when things are bad but when the system is good they don't say anything,'' Mr. Simmons said.

Corporation of Hamilton trash truck driver Albert Richardson said he felt his job was a good job and he also felt that to some people it was appreciated.

"When we are working some people might give us leeway even if they are trying to get to work. However, there are others who say the truck is in their way.

But most of the time the general public is courteous towards us as we are trying to keep the city clean,'' Mr. Richardson said.

He added: "Some people tell us in the morning that we are doing a great job and some people just come by when we are working, especially after a holiday, and give us cards of appreciation. People tend to show their appreciation in various ways.'' Mr. Richardson also said: "We have a job to do and people know our job is important because if the trash stays on the streets it will be dirty and smelly so we try to get it all up.'' Labour and Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness said he felt the workers in these areas were "most appreciated'' in the community.

"And I think my thoughts of them are typical. The men that collect garbage do an outstanding job for us and what I try and do is go around to the dump and chat and say hello so I can get to know them.'' Mr. Edness added: "I know that at Christmas time I give the mail person and the trash collec Working for the community good From Page 21 tors a little something to say `Thanks, I appreciate what you do'.

"I think people throughout this country do a superb job. Not a lot of countries have these type of services that are carried out on a regular basis.

"These people that sweep the roads and collect the trash make this country clean and they take this on as a serious responsibility.'' Mr. Edness also said: "They feel it is important and I appreciate what they do. If it was not for them I would be looking at piles of rubbish.

"I think we should all give them a tribute and thank them and show our gratitude.'' COMMUNITY SERVICE -- Postman Wilmont Simmons delivers mail all around the Island. His key tip: "Keep your dogs tied up''.