Opinion: What happened to handling of waste?

Dear Editor,

There is a very dangerous situation here on Saba and I do not understand what the elected officials of this island are thinking or their method of prioritization.

The problem I am referring to is the improper handling of waste. It is well known that the methods used here on Saba for trash elimination cause cancer. The location of the dump is next to both a populated area and the school for Saba’s children. The wind blows in the direction of the school, most of the time. It is also a fact that the cancer causing residue created when burning trash is worse for children because of their underdeveloped immune systems. The only water system here on the island is a system that captures water from our roof, then transfers the water into a cistern where it gets pumped into our homes. The nasty residue released when the trash is burned lands everywhere, it gets into the air, on our homes, cars, into the air we breathe and into our water system. We clean our food, laundry, dishes and our bodies with toxic water. This conduct is literally poisoning us, our children as well as it pollutes the island.

Recently a new incinerator was purchased, someone was hired to handle the garbage and then the matter was completely dropped, as if the job was over. Things have changed, the smell is different, worse, and so are the effects. It still causes all the same problems, and we want to know why the change. When will it be fixed? Why all the secrecy? What exactly are we breathing and ingesting? Our councilmen act completely surprised to find out things are not going well and actually will argue with people who call trying to convince them that what they smell is from Montserrat and not the dump. Where does the reasoning follow through? This is a very serious matter. You need to get rid of this problem completely, not just make it better, but eliminate the danger.

What happened to recycling? Why, after years, is this not fixed? They are polluting both this island, the water around the island, and the people who live and visit here. This is not an inconvenience, but a health hazard that they are either unwilling or unable to correct. I understand more students are coming to the island, and this problem will continue to grow. Sabans need a change in government. We need someone who can get things done, someone who actually cares about the island of Saba and its people.

Next year we will be faced with another election. We need to start looking now for the replacement of our elected officials. I cannot provide my name due to employment circumstances, but I have spoken with many of the islanders about this and each and every one agrees, we need a change! This was published in the Daily Herald.

Name withheld upon author’s request.