Ministry of Health urges students to protect their schools

Students and staff at the island’s schools are being urged to properly dispose of food waste to prevent rodent infestation.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Kenneth George, has reminded individuals that these pests could endanger the health and safety of those within schools.

Dr George explained that food left on desks, floors, and in classrooms attracts vermin such as rats, mice, and cockroaches.

“Rodents and cockroaches thrive wherever food scraps are left behind. Even a few crumbs under a desk or a forgotten lunch in a classroom can trigger an infestation that is costly, disruptive, and hazardous to health,” the CMO emphasised.

He further noted that cockroaches carry bacteria that cause food poisoning, diarrhoea, and allergic reactions, while rats and mice can gnaw through wiring, contaminate surfaces, and spread disease.

Health officials advise everyone in the school environment to:

• Always place food scraps, wrappers, and leftovers in a designated trash can – never on the floor, in a desk, or on a table.
• Seal and dispose of lunch bags, juice boxes, and snack packaging immediately after use.
• Report overflowing bins or pest sightings to school management without delay.
• Remind classmates that a clean school is a safe school for everyone.

Dr George expressed the view that if every student and staff member dispose of food waste responsibly, they will eliminate the conditions that allow pests to survive in schools. (BGIS)