Words of encouragement and support have helped six-year-old Sharwin (Jay) Fubler and his parents to remain upbeat as their son has endured four cycles of chemotherapy to halt the ravages of leukaemia.

Through a generous $400 donation from CARF (Cancer Assistance Research Foundation), to help towards soft-spoken Jay's medical bills, the plucky six year old is anxious to conquer his illness and return to doing all things a child his age enjoys.

The avid artist and fishing enthusiast was diagnosed with the life-threatening illness after he complained of leg pain and was unable to walk. He was feverish and tended to sleep more than usual. Initially it was thought Jay had a virus and was prescribed antibiotics.

After his parents took their son to a second physician their worst fears were confirmed. Jay was sent to the hospital to undergo a full series of tests and a MRI as his doctor was concerned about the youngster's blood abnormalities, enlarged liver and the chronic pain.

His parents were not prepared for the shocking revelation that the tests revealed a suspicion of leukaemia. Jay was whisked off the island via air ambulance to Boston Children's Hospital for further invasive testing.

Upon his arrival in Boston the diagnosis confirmed the presence of leukaemia. His first round of chemotherapy began on Boxing Day 2007 and to date he has undergone four cycles of treatment.

His school attendance was disrupted but according to Jay's' mom Marvita, "He was always on top of his work and still picks up his book to read and do his maths and asks for help for the things he doesn't understand.

"His principal keeps in touch with us by phone and when we were in Boston she actually came to see us. He was a bit homesick, especially when we told him we will be going home soon."

Every nine weeks Jay, whose nickname is 'Chikka' after his grandfather, has to undergo a lumbar puncture, but takes it all in stride. As with any kid his age Jay is not terribly fond of injections but befriended another child while in Boston. While chemotherapy often leaves him feeling exhausted and nauseous, Jay for the most part hasn't lost his appetite.

When asked what his favourite food is, he flashed a toothy grin and said: "Everything'.

"Sometimes he will pick at his food, but he usually eats. He still enjoys playing video games, riding his scrambler, painting and fishing," his mother Marvita explained. Jay will be resuming classes prior to heading back to Boston for further treatment.

"We would like to thank everyone who has supported us through all of this and had us in their prayers," added Sharwin, Sr., who will accompany his son to the Boston hospital for further treatment.

Piles of rubbish, spray paint cans, remnants of two auxiliary cycles and assorted commercial and domestic waste are among items dumped along a stretch of Vesey Street, Devonshire in the past few days.

One irate area resident said tougher legislation to combat illegal dumping and littering was needed. "What would really hit the offenders where it hurts is not only fine then the maximum amount but have them collect refuse.

"In addition to a predetermined mount of litter collecting, it should be stipulated that the offender collect a certain weight in garbage."

During the latter half of 2007, some 7,060 pounds of trash was collected via island-wide clean-ups.

This worked out to around 3,400 pounds of normal litter and 3,600 pounds of material that can be recycled.

The resident, who wished to remain anonymous, admitted the worrying trend seemed to plague quiet neighbourhoods and secluded areas where those involved in illegal dumping carry out their illicit activities.

Pointing to an ever growing pile of refuse less than 100 feet from the Nature Preserve, the resident pointed to a can of carelessly discarded spray paint tins, which he said were tossed after a pair of individuals spray painted a commercial van.

"I guess it never occurred to them that someone would jot down the licence plate number and these cans pose a health hazard. I have already fired off letters to the KBB and my area MP.

"Something has to be done to deter this practice and I have e-mailed them photographic evidence showing the locations and the amount of both commercial and domestic waste," the resident.

The Ministry of Works & Engineering would like to see The Waste and Littering Control Act (1987) revamped in the hope of giving it more teeth.

As it stands, offenders must be caught before they are hauled before the courts.

Our source said a child's book, complete with the owner's name, was found strewn among a pile of household waste.

"You know the worst part about this is even if we (the neighbours) find an address or some evidence that can lead to the offender I seriously doubt if that is enough to have them prosecuted.

"From what I understand, the offender has to be caught in the act in order to prove he or she is the guilty party."

Currently, fines can be as high as $1,000 if an illegal dumper is caught red-handed. In this year alone close to 500 volunteers throughout the island have collected 10,074 pounds of trash.

Monthly clean-ups conducted by the KBB are open to anyone interested in volunteering. Call 295-5142 or e-mail kbb northrock.bm for additional information.