Minister of the Environment and National Beautification Trevor Prescod is thanking the workers of the Sanitation Service Authority (SSA) for the important role they have been playing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prescod showered praises on the workers for continuing to ensure that Barbados’ streets remain free of garbage.
The Minister noted that society could not function without the services offered by the over 600 men and women at the SSA.
“You have to take up all different types of waste. Some people see you working on a daily basis and don’t understand that sometimes you go beyond. Sometimes you have to take up things that are hazardous, things that are harmful.
“This virus came on us suddenly and we have to move expeditiously to make all the transitions that is necessary to make sure we protect the sanitation workers and so far so good,” Prescod said.
Speaking at the start of a thank you event held in their honour at the Wildey Depot, the Minister said he understood the workers’ commitment and courage in carrying out their duties.
Members of the Wildey, St Michael community saluting SSA workes today.
“I know that you travel in the hot sun for hours enduring the odour and lifting up heavy drums. So I am cognizant that you work extremely hard and much harder than some of the people who place judgment on you as workers. And I will be here for you.
“I want to give thanks to you not just as workers but as brothers and sisters in the Sanitation Service Authority department. And I want you to know that wherever there is a challenge you can feel free to call on me as Minister and I will hear your cries and I can empathize with those cries,” he said.
While the day’s proceedings started with a round of applause at the Wildey Depot, SSA’s public relations officer Carl Alf Padmore led a team through several communities encouraging members of the community to salute the workers.
Some of the workers and members of the communities held placards some of which read Thank You, Thumbs Up, You Are Appreciated, and We are Essential Too.
Another round of applause was observed at the Mangrove, St Thomas Landfill around 12:15 p.m.
“All in all we just want Barbados to know that we are on the frontline with them. We want their support and we are going to give them our support as we seek to fight the COVID-19,” Padmore.
Members of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) were also present for the salute at Wildey. NUPW’s President Akanni McDowall indicated that SSA’s workers have proven that they are needed in the fight.
McDowall told the workers that the NUPW was committed to representing their best interests at this time and to address any issues that may arise.
“Brothers and sisters your contributions have not been ignored. Today and everyday onward we want to say a big thank you to you,” McDowall said.
Supervisor at the Sanitation Service Authority Sabrina Corbin was delighted with the public’s response.
“The staff of the SSA work really hard and they deserve to be saluted. I am only here for four years but the commitment to work by the majority is unbelievable. “In this COVID-19 fight we pledge to do our best and we urge the public to bag their waste appropriately and respect physical distancing rule and also the workers…and finally please wear a mask.” Stay inside and help us to help you, “ she urged.
