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Contact:
Chris Satney
Friday, April 29, 2005 - The Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority
got help this week from a number of local agencies, in developing guidelines for
the prevention and investigation of proper waste management practices on the
island.
This was achieved through an inter-agency seminar which was held at the
conference room of the Ministry of Communications, Works, Transport and Public
Utilities. The Waste Management Act was used as the basis for the development of
the strategies to improve the way the Authority investigates unacceptable waste
management practices. The Act has been seen as a tool not only to be used by the
Authority but by other agencies that works towards the protection of the
environment.
The reality is that waste management pervades all aspects of our lives, and we
have recognized that as an agency our own efforts at enforcing our Act cannot be
effectively achieved if we are not able to work effectively with the relevant
agencies, said Geraldine Lendor, who is General Manager of the Authority.
The successful implementation of the Waste Management Act requires a
collaborative inter-agency approach complemented by the understanding of
respective roles, to avoid duplication of efforts. Minister for Physical
Development, Environment and Housing Honourable Fergusson John said this will
also ensure the efficient implementation of the Act.
I think the time has come for all of us to act together, to clean our
communities and in the process enhance our quality of life and own
sustainability. We must discourage litter on our streets and public places. We
must stop the indiscriminate dumping of waste in open spaces in our communities.
We must ensure that all stakeholders play their part by strictly complying with
the provisions outlined in the Act, Minister John said.
The Waste Management Act has dual functions while it provides for the
management of waste in best environmental practices, it also includes provisions
for health and safety issues pertaining to waste management. The Environment
Ministry has been working closely with the Ministry of Health for the proper and
effective implementation of the Act.
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