EDITORIAL - Floods partly our fault
Despite years of beseeching, too many Barbadians continue to litter and dump garbage illegally. For them, there is no personal responsibility for cleanliness, no respect for other people, and no respect for this country.
Last week the disgusting habits of a few resulted in devastation for others in certain parts of this country, who had homes and property destroyed by raging flood waters associated with the passage of Tropical Storm Harvey – floods that were caused in part by waterways blocked with garbage.
In the area of Round De Town, residents were traumatised at the sheer force of the water which shifted one house from its foundations and killed a number of small animals. After the onslaught, individuals were left clearing mud out of their homes and businesses, which sported waterlines feet off the ground. And in nearby Gills Terrace in Speightstown, another family, after being trapped in their house with rising water, escaped only to face the despair of losing most of their possessions – everything from fridge and stove to school books.
A resident in the aforementioned affected area noted that, “This was happening from since the 80s and they need to do something about that canal that causing the problem.” However, Minister of Home Affairs Adriel Brathwaite identified indiscriminate dumping as a major cause of the flooding which occurred in some St Peter communities.
Pointing to a lorry filled with large household items, which included mattresses, removed from the canal in the area of Round De Town, Brathwaite agreed that, “The amount of garbage which we saw being removed could have contributed to the water rising to the levels the residents experienced”. He continued, urging: “I cannot help but to beg Barbadians that rather than throw garbage in every canal you can find, think in terms of what could occur as a result of your indiscriminate dumping.”
It is important that we continue to hammer home the message of maintaining clean surroundings and emphasise the role that every individual living in this country can play in this regard. Too many people have developed a self-destructive attitude whereby they refuse to take responsibility unless forced to. This lazy mentality has led to the misguided belief that it is Government’s duty to fix every aspect of their lives. All Barbadians must instead take responsibility for their environment. Utilise the
services of the Sanitation Services Authority to remove bulk waste and/or employ legitimate, regulated businesses to remove large discarded items. For smaller items, practise the 3Rs – reduce, reuse and recycle – to limit the amount of refuse produced.
At this point we commend the Future Centre Trust initiative to cut down on the number of discarded plastic bags across the island.
In the final analysis, although last week’s flooding is saddening and one empathises with those affected, it should serve as a wake-up call for those who believe that there are no consequences for their bad behaviour. Furthermore, even if you are not personally performing the negative action, realise that being a silent observer is tantamount to giving your support. Remember, if you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem.