Several groups, organizations and individuals including Minister Elvin Nimrod came out well armed over the weekend and declared war on debris and white goods which provide a safe haven for the Aedes Egypti mosquitoes which have been responsible for a series of pains and discomfort to the population through the Chikungunya virus.
Members of the National Disaster Management Agency, (NaDMA), the Police plus other groups and members of the public responded to the call to help rid the island of several tons of indiscriminately discarded garbage, which have been facilitating the breeding of the vector. From early on Saturday and Sunday, teams across the island were kept busy in various communities collecting and storing the garbage in bags for proper disposal at the scientific landfill in Dumfries.
Those who were unable to participate on the various teams played their part by cleaning their respective surroundings. Some of the conscious business houses also supported the initiative by providing drinks; garbage bags and eats to the participants.
Minister Nimrod pointed out that he was amazed at the large volume of disposed items, which were lying along the roadside and inland that were serving as water catchments.
He appealed to persons who are in the habit of indiscriminate dumping of garbage to stop this practice in the interest of a clean and healthy environment.
One of the key figures behind the venture, Keisha McFarlane, said that they were pleased with the response of the various groups and individuals towards the venture. She adds that this reflects the level of seriousness persons are attaching to helping to eradicate the Aedes Egypti mosquitoes from the island.
