National Clean-Up Exercise

State Minister with responsibility for Works, Hon. Everald Warmington, has announced plans by the Government to carry out a national clean-up exercise across the country.

Dubbed the ‘National Clean-up and Environmental Beautification Initiative’, the project, expected to start soon, entails drain cleaning, harvesting of plastic bottles for recycling, and bushing.

“We believe that this initiative is timely and necessary to promoting and fostering sound environmental management, civic pride, personal responsibility and overall health and well-being of the Jamaican people,” he said.

Mr. Warmington, speaking in the House of Representatives on November 2, informed that the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development previously undertook a similar programme, which will be continued.

“Our cities, towns, gullies and communities are not in the best condition and we will engage the people across the nation to be involved in the cleaning and disposal of garbage in their communities,” he said.

He noted that the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation will be working closely with the Ministry of Health in identifying the most critical areas for intervention and vector-control activities.

“We are confident that in partnership with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders, our efforts will be a resounding success,” he said.

He acknowledged the work of the Ministries of Local Government and Health in their clean-up activities earlier this year in a bid to address the Zika virus.

Mr. Warmington said the Government recognises how important it is to foster a safer, healthier and more prosperous Jamaica by safeguarding the health and social well-being of the people and the communities in which they live.

“We need all hands on deck and need the support and cooperation of every Jamaican,” he said.