Jamaicans urged to dispose of waste responsibly

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie is urging Jamaicans to take greater responsibility for the proper disposal of solid waste as the country continues to grapple with the effects of improper dumping on communities and the environment.

Speaking during the opening of the George’s Plain Temporary Holding Area, a new waste-transfer facility in Westmoreland on September 11, McKenzie said Hurricane Melissa had highlighted long-standing issues stemming from improper waste disposal, particularly the indiscriminate dumping of garbage in drains and gullies.

He noted that more than 17 tonnes of garbage had been collected in Westmoreland since Hurricane Melissa, underscoring the volume of waste recovered from several drains, gullies and waterways.