New Board at NSWMA

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Noel Arscot, has announced the appointment of a new board for the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA).

Speaking Wednesday (January 18) at the NSWMA's head office in Kingston, Mr. Arscot said that the 11- member board will be headed by electrical engineer, Steve Ashley. Attorney-at-law, Clyde Williams, has been appointed Vice Chairman. He noted that the other members of the board will be named at a later date.

Mr. Arscot reminded the Chairman that he has a responsibility to the people of Jamaica to ensure that cleanliness is maintained.

"Remember that you have a responsibility to the people of Jamaica, to ensure that their health is protected and the investment climate in Jamaica that we want to create is assured, because when we have visitors to Jamaica, the cleanliness of our cities and towns sends a signal around the world," he said.

"We have nothing to hide, we must be open, the people must have access to us and we must dialogue with the communities, to ensure that the job that we have undertaken is done to the benefit of the society," he said.  

Mr. Ashley said the mantra of the board will be “transparency, integrity and tight fiscal management." He added that “partisanship and favoritisms" will play no role in the running of the organization. 

He noted that partnerships will be created with civil society, to educate and sensitize the public about the dangers and hazards of a filthy society.

"The wellness of this country is directly proportional to its ability to collect and dispose of waste material. This makes the street sweeper and garbage collector two of the most important people in our society, and they should be recognized as such," he said.