An islandwide clean-up will take place this weekend to make Barbados a more beautiful and eco-friendly place in which to live.
The initiative, being conducted by the Ministry of Environment and National Beautification, will be on Saturday and Sunday.
Word of the project came on Wednesday from Minister Trevor Prescod, who was speaking to the media at a solid waste website and game launch at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.
Prescod said the campaign was part of the ministry’s commitment to improve and enchance the physical environment.
“We hope to see a major physical transformation. The intention is to also have a cultural impact to foster behavioural changes . . . . We believe Barbadians will understand the benefits of having a clean environment.”
He said that the project would be undertaken two or three times a year and draw on resources from the private sector, non-governmental organisations and community groups, and interested private individuals.
It would include the clearance of drains and watercourses, bulk waste removal, including derelict cars, combating illegal dumping and littering, de-bushing, and greening of communities and landscapes.
The minister also said the dissemination of information online was a necessity in a digital era.
Concerning the severe shortage of garbage trucks, Prescod said plans were being developed for a team to travel to Europe to inspect and purchase 15 second-hand trucks. (SB)
