On Friday 29th June, members of the Environmental Health Unit and the general public gathered at the Teachers, Resource Centre to celebrate Solid Waste Awareness Day. Under the theme “Don’t glitter Anguilla with litter”, the Environmental Health Unit conducted a series of awareness activities such as radio quizzes and mobile text messaging broadcasts leading up to the ceremony.
Chairperson and Senior Environmental Health Officer, Mr. Vincent Carty, welcomed all in attendance and also Tourism Planner, Ms. Gina Brooks. Speaking on the importance of solid waste management in a tourism-based economy, Ms. Brooks noted the health and environmental implications that can occur by way of the improper management of solid waste. “It is important to recognize that inadequate and or inappropriate management of the island’s solid waste will encourage the survival, growth and spread of vectors which will in turn endanger our communities and environment”. She further noted that as Anguilla’s population and business establishments increased there will be greater need to adopt the three ‘R’s: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Hon. Edison Baird, Minister of Health and Social Development, was the Permanent Secretary for Social Development, Mrs. Bonnie Richardson –Lake. She indicated that the Ministry was doing all it could to ensure that resources were made available for effective solid waste management. Continuing, she highlighted the fact that the collection and disposal of household waste, in addition to the management of disposal at the Corito landfill site, were all done through private contracts: “We must applaud the contractors for their dedication to their work in these challenging times.”
Mrs. Lake noted that when the contracts are re-tendered later this year the Ministry will consider the population growth and hopes to have recycling initiatives as a key component of the solid waste contracts.
Mr. Hugo Rey, manager of Elmoalis Ltd, a disposal contractor, presented a cheque of 3000 EC dollars to the Environmental Health Unit, his company being the platinum sponsor of the Solid Waste Campaign. Local recyclers were also present to deliver a few remarks. Senior Environmental Health Officer, Mr. Leroy Richardson, made the final presentation highlighting a cleanup campaign that was conducted in Island Harbour.
The Solid Waste Awareness Programme is an initiative to make the general public aware of the health significance of proper solid waste management. In addition, it aims to improve the sanitary status of communities and the environment as well as to prevent and mitigate the spread of vector borne diseases.
(Photos and Article courtesy Arthur D. Ward)
