Clean-up project set for Buff Bay on November 12

The Social Development Commission (SDC) Office in Portland will be spearheading a major clean-up project for the community of Buff Bay, Portland, on Friday, November 12.
Dubbed, ‘Dengue Clear out Project’, the activity is aimed at minimising the current dengue threat in the parish, as also improving the town’s aesthetic appeal.
Speaking with JIS News, SDC Parish Manager for Portland, Ishiwawa Hope, said the initiative is one of five National Projects Days being planned islandwide in celebration of Community Month being observed from November 1 to 30 under the theme: ‘Build your community: mek it safe’.
According to Ms. Hope, a number of community-based organisations, government agencies and private enterprises will be partnering with the SDC in undertaking this event. They include the Ministry of Health, Buff Bay Community Development Committee, the Kiwanis Club of St. George’s, the Optimist Club of Buff Bay, the National Solid Waste Management Authority, the National Works Agency, local citizen associations, the Portland Credit Union and the office of the Member of Parliament for the area.
Work to be carried out includes the removal of solid waste deposits, and bush overgrowth in areas where mosquitoes breed, as well as painting of a pedestrian crossing on Nelson Street in the town, to allow easy access for students and other pedestrians crossing the street.
“This is to strengthen the work of the Ministry of Health with which we are collaborating, as they have also embarked on a dengue eradication programme, and we saw it as one area in which we could work along with them,” Ms. Hope said.
She said, based on the citizens’ response, she is confident of their support, “which is key in ensuring the success of the programme.”
Ms. Hope emphasised the need for young people to involve themselves in governance, as they are the major cohort of the population. “Take up the challenge, and make a change in your youth clubs, citizen associations, and volunteer groups. Participate to develop your community,” she urged.
Other events planned during the month are a number of award ceremonies for communities across the parish, in recognition of community volunteers.
National Projects Day are also scheduled to be held in Manchester, St. Catherine, Hanover and Trelawny.