National clean-up ‘to tackle illegal dumping’

A three-day national clean-up initiative aimed at collecting bulk waste and addressing the issue of illegal dumping has been announced by Adrian Forde, the minister of environment and national beautification.

The campaign, scheduled from Friday to Sunday, was unveiled during the launch of a beautification project at Kendal Woods, St John. Forde stressed the importance of properly disposing of bulk waste items: “We are no longer going to tolerate as a government, persons dumping in our gullies and destroying our ecosystem. There is the existential threat of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.”

He called for a collaborative effort to achieve the goals of a “green, clean and safe space”, adding that illegal dumping must become a thing of the past for the nation to survive environmental threats.

The minister urged the public to assist authorities by identifying individuals involved in unlawful dumping activities. Residents with large waste objects such as old refrigerators, stoves and mattresses can arrange for their removal by calling hotlines 262-5326 or 262-5327.

Forde said tackling illegal dumping required critical community involvement, describing the issue as “a scourge that must be tackled”. He encouraged citizens to photograph or film perpetrators, rather than recording accidents or sharing harmful content on phones.

“Under the Health Services Regulation and the Health Services Act, there are specific fees and penalties for those contributing to this act,” he said, warning that offenders should expect the full force of the law.

The minister revealed plans to install covert cameras to monitor illegal dumping sites, but emphasised the need for public participation: “The cost will be borne by generations to come when you destroy the ecosystem and create a health hazard.”

At the Kendal Woods event, where the area was declared a “Clean and Green” site, St John MP Charles Griffith welcomed the beautification initiative as important for “creating soft spaces” across the country.

Forde also highlighted a Community Beautification Competition, now extended until May 30, which encourages residents to enhance their gardens. Parish winners will receive $1 500, competing for overall prizes worth $10 000.