Media Reports are that the United Nations has classified T&T as being at the top of the ladder among countries when measured by the accumulation of waste per capita.
This does not surprise me as by letter dated February 23 2014, in the wake of the Petrotrin oil spill and the clouds of smoke which were emanating regularly from the Beetham Landfill, I made certain observations, which I do feel are still relevant at this time:
I. It seems that matters of environmental concern are not being accorded the priority standing which are needed;
2. There seems to be very little work on recycling of solid and other wastes, including bottles of all types whatever, and paper;
3. Upon assuming office in 2010, the then Minister of the Environment and Water Resources had boasted that “harnessing” the environment, especially the crying need to recycle solid waste, would be accorded high priority.
So far, I have seen no evidence of this having been so in a meaningful way. It is therefore my hope that this remains an area of high priority with the new administration;
4. In terms of diversifying the economy, new opportunities could present themselves were genuine efforts be made at recycling.
5. Needless to say the UN report is a matter of concern not only in respect of the health aspects involved, but also as it relates to the stated intention of this country of making a resolute attempt to enter the international tourism market.
I therefore proffer the following suggestions:
(a) placing all matters concerning the environment within the portfolio of the Ministry of Local Government with the intention of matters of the environment and local health clearly falling within the areas of responsibility of the Regional Corporations;
(b) the merging of the URP and the Cepep and making employment in the new body full-time thus removing the half-day and make-work syndromes;
(c) providing tax incentives to companies and manufacturers which have put in place recycling mechanisms;
(d) banning and prohibiting the importation of substances which are environmentally unfriendly;
(e) rigorous enforcement of litter laws and the increase of fines in the Anti-Litter Act as a deterrent against unauthorised dumping of waste; and
(f) A sustained programme aimed at educating the public accordingly.
Errol OC Cupid,
Trincity, Tacarigua