Students Urged to Keep Their Schools Clean to Protect Against Diseases

Minister of State in the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Julian Robinson is reminding students that they can play a part in ensuring that their surroundings are clean.

He noted that cleanliness is important in eliminating and minimising vector borne diseases such as the Chikungunya Virus (CHIKV).

Vector-borne diseases rely on organisms such as mosquitoes, ticks or sandflies that have an active role in the transmission of a pathogen (biological agents that cause disease) from one host to the other.

“We have to ensure that we don’t have places where mosquitoes can breathe because if (they) can breathe, they will spread the virus,” he said.

He was speaking to students at the Excelsior High School in Kingston during a handing over ceremony at the institution’s Mountain View Avenue location on Friday (November 14).

Five cases of Clean and White Bleach from DFL Distributors  were handed over to the Principal of the institution.

“The supplies will assist the school in keeping the place as clean as possible… They (DFL) are doing it as part of their corporate (responsibilities) and they chose this school in particular… because you are one of the largest schools in the country and I know that you would need the bleach more than ever,” he said.

Mr. Robinson who is also Member of Parliament for South East St. Andrew, urged the students to remain focussed in their studies.

“Continue to do well, continue to strive for excellence in everything that you do, you are part of an excellent (and) proud institution…and you must do everything to maintain and keep the Excelsior flag flying very high,” he said.

In expressing appreciation for the gesture, Principal, Deanroy Bromfield said he was delighted that his institution was chosen for the donation.

Also during the ceremony representatives from DFL Distributors highlighted some of the benefits of using bleach solutions in homes and schools, such as purifying and sanitising.