Minister Hinkson warns rubbish-burners

People who continue to engage in indiscriminate burning of rubbish will be hit by stiff penalties, Minister of Home Affairs Edmund Hinkson today warned.

He was responding to a chorus of complaints from residents across the island, many of whom have trouble breathing.

Hinkson also said that the Fire Service (Fees) Order, which came into effect on April 1, mandates that in any case, permission must be sought and granted from the fire department to burn rubbish.

“This is a reasonable legal requirement, since the Fire Service would have knowledge and can come and supervise the burning so that it does not get out of hand,” the St James North MP told Barbados TODAY.

He said the indiscriminate acts are unacceptable and he is warning all concerned to cease and desist or be penalized by the law courts.

“The authorities will have no choice but to enforce civil penalties against perpetrators if this unacceptable practice continues,” the Home Affairs Minister cautioned.

Hinkson said it is clear from many reports reaching the  authorities that a lot of people are ignoring the new legislation.

“In fact, indiscriminate burning has apparently increased since the curfew, with more people being home and perhaps clearing their homes of what they no longer need.  This practice has to stop,” he insisted.

Hinkson said such burning is also insensitive to those neighbours, many of whom may suffer from asthma, sinusitis or have other respiratory ailments.

“It also goes without saying, that some persons who will be affected by this practice, will be more susceptible to catching COVID-19 as a result of their pre-existing respiratory ailments,” said Hinkson.

He issued a stern warning to perpetrators and potential perpetrators to think twice before lighting up.

“I am warning all persons to be considerate and to give a thought to those who reside in their vicinity and to desist from burning rubbish indiscriminately in their yards or anywhere else. Alternative means to get rid of what you no longer wish to have are available and ought to be utilized,” Hinkson said.

So far this year, Barbados has recorded 395 grass fires compared to 605 for the same time last year, while there are 178 rubbish blazes, an increase of ten for the corresponding period a year ago.