EDITORIAL: Firm stance needed

HOW do we put an end to illegal dumping? That is certainly a question that many in positions of authority have been asking for decades now, and despite efforts to show persons the dangers and negative impacts that dumping can have on the environment, the bad habit has persisted.

Whether we want to admit it or not, we have a serious illegal dumping problem in our country and this unfortunately is exacerbated by the challenges we face with garbage disposal. This reality is seeing many persons, rather than taking their items to the dump as is required, just pulling up at remote locations – and sometimes areas in plain view – and relieving their vehicles of loads of items. It is clear that moral suasion has not been as successful as we would like, as there are still persons who engage in the practice, but what is worse is that culprits do not even seem ashamed of their actions and want to hide and perform the act. Instead of doing it under the cover of night, boldly they can be seen during daylight hours.

It was just last month that three men found themselves before the law courts in this country after being caught one afternoon illegally dumping items in an area in the South.

Now some persons may suggest that illegal dumping is not as widespread as it was before, but we believe that so long as it still occurs, it is a problem that we cannot afford to ignore. The fact is that garbage that is inappropriately disposed of can result in the spread of diseases such as Leptospirosis, Dengue and Zika; and even worse, can taint our limited water supply.

It is for that reason that we think the State has to take a firmer stance on illegal dumping to prevent the actions of those who seem not to care about the impact their actions can have on our society. There is undoubtedly a need for stronger legislation increasing the fines or imprisonment period for persons found guilty of such acts, and for accompanying legislation to be introduced to promote recycling. Efforts must also be made to encourage Barbadians to take pride in their country, so as to ensure it remains in pristine condition.

We well understand that finances are limited and persons may be inclined to illegally dump the items rather than calling on the Sanitation Service Authority or one of the private waste haulers to dispose of the items properly, but the State cannot condone that type of behaviour. It is our firm belief therefore that there is more which can be done to put an end to this practice, as often the health authorities know of the trouble spots and can work in tandem with the police force to set up surveillance to catch the perpetrators in the act.

We think also that to deal with everyday household waste and prevent persons from dumping at various sites, garbage and recycling bins can be set up across the length and breadth of this country. Now admittedly, getting Barbadians to sort their garbage and recycle could prove to be difficult if incentives are not provided, but we must move in this direction. The onus is on all of us to play our part and start to reuse items that we would otherwise send to the dump; this change in personal behaviour would only redound to the benefit of the nation as a whole.

So, we hope in the not too distant future to see public education campaigns launched, so that from the youngest child to the oldest man understands fully the concept of reduce, reuse and recycle.