Minister Emil Lee (second from right) listens to the concerns about the landfill. To the left is Andy Wescot; Wycliffe Smith of the Christian party is just visible next to him. Photo contributed
St. Maarten News – Despite the slight drizzle, several concerned residents gathered on Monday morning at Clem Labega Square in front of the Government Administration Building where they signed an official letter requesting the Council of Ministers to urgently deal with the sanitary landfill (aka the dump) problem.
In the meantime, the letter has been submitted to government through its General Affairs department and copies have been delivered to the Governor’s office and the office of the Ombudsman.
Minister Emil Lee (Public Health) came out to hear the concerned residents which included members of new parties Benjamin Ortega, Pastor Wycliffe Smith and René Wilson.
Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams also made a brief appearance and her son Andy was also in attendance and a signatory to the letter submitted.
An on-line petition has been created to give the public the opportunity to sign on as concerned residents also looking for a solution to the “Sanitary Landfill problem”. The petition can be signed at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/the-dump-problem
In their letter to the Council of Ministers, the concerned residents point out that the sanitary landfill on Pond Island has reached its economic lifespan several years ago. This has been confirmed by previous ministers in parliament meetings. Despite this fact, garbage continues to be dumped on this area over exceeding the limitations of the site.
St. Maarten Residents call for action to solve dump problems
