THE Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority (SLSWMA), Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) and Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) continue to collaborate in the fight towards a cleaner environment.
The present undertaking is a publicity drive which seeks to discourage the practice of littering, a serious solid waste management issue for the country, made highly visible after the cutting of grass along the country’s roads and highways. Not only is litter unsightly, but litter clogs drains, harms life in waterways e.g. rivers and seas, is a threat to public health, a breeding ground for pests, and of course litter costs millions of dollars to clean up.
Through funding provided by the Tourism Enhancement Fund, the ‘Garcon You Mad or What’ campaign has been made possible to sensitize the public about littering. The campaign takes the form of bumper stickers which highlight the bad habit of tossing litter out of moving vehicles onto roads, highways as well as private and public spaces. One thousand bumper stickers are available for distribution among vehicle owners in the first instance.
Also supporting this initiative is the National Council on Public Transportation (NCOPT). Through the NCOPT stickers have already been distributed to Minibus Associations for placement on vehicles.
Individuals in receipt of bumper stickers are encouraged to support the movement towards a cleaner environment by not only placing the stickers onto their vehicles but also arming vehicles with a bag for garbage.
The general public is also encouraged to take heed of the message and stop the practice of littering.
Interested persons should also feel free to communicate with the Authority in order to obtain stickers.