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Contact:
Chris Satney
Friday, May 06, 2005 - The Island’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Stephen
King is pleading to various agencies with a stake in a New Waste Management Act
for the island, to continue to work together to facilitate its effective
implementation.
Dr. King’s appeal came as he addressed a recent inter-agency seminar on the
development of strategies for the prevention and investigation of improper waste
management practices on the island.
Dr. King says while the Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority is mainly
responsible for waste management, other agencies must begin to acknowledge their
responsibility in maintaining a cleaner and healthier environment.
“We have a not my fault syndrome, where it is not my responsibility it is not my
fault - so that’s somebody else. So whether there is waste in the environment or
not, not my problem - I’ve done my bit. This has to stop because at the end of
the day somebody’s waste in the environment affects all of us and we need to
address it,” Dr. King said.
Dr. King says waste management should be everyone’s business and urged St.
Lucians, to do more to conserving the environment for future generations.
“What are you doing? Are you throwing litter out of the minibus? What are you
doing in your home? What are you doing with your garbage? What are you doing in
your business? Question yourself! People talk about World Cup 2007 – yes it is a
national imperative but there is a bigger imperative which is the health of each
and every one of us and our children. That is far more important, as far as I am
concerned. It is our responsibility each and every one of us and we must not shy
away from that,” the Chief Medical Officer said.
Noting the significant role the Ministry of Health plays in maintaining proper
sanitation habits; Dr. King also pledged the continued support of his office in
ensuring the effective implementation of the Waste Management Act.
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