By Kisean Joseph
International Health Outreach (IHO) is rolling out a new community-based litter prevention programme for which Dr Nicola Bird, a key figure in this initiative, recently detailed its aims and structure.
The initiative, a partnership between local communities and the National Solid Waste Management Authority, seeks to engage citizens as volunteer litter prevention wardens for a one-year commitment. This trial program, currently limited to Antigua and Barbuda, aims to transform community members into active participants in waste management solutions.
“We are partnering with National Solid Waste Management Authority to engage citizens in communities throughout Antigua to commit to a year of volunteer work as a litter prevention warden,” Bird said. She highlighted that this approach is designed to make communities part of the solution, rather than feeling that regulations are being imposed upon them.
The programme envisions these volunteer wardens as “community watchdogs and environmental ambassadors” supporting healthy waste management practices and addressing issues like illegal dumping and littering.
Bird stressed the importance of community participation, stating: “We feel it’s really, really important that communities participate. Otherwise, what people feel is that the government is imposing restrictions, these fines on people.”
Drawing a parallel between personal property care and island-wide environmental stewardship, Bird noted that “we take care of our yard, we don’t dump garbage in it, so we need to have the same attitude that the whole of Antigua is our yard.” This perspective aims to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among Antiguans for the entire island’s cleanliness.
The initiative has reportedly received an enthusiastic response, reflecting growing public concern about waste management. Recent flooding events have highlighted the urgency of addressing this issue, Bird pointed out the multiple impacts of poor waste management on the environment, public health, marine life, and even the tourism industry.
“We saw with the recent flooding, for instance, all that garbage and the impact it’s having on our environment and also on our health,” Bird said. “It also impacts, of course, the impact on species and marine life, and we also know that we’re a tourist country, so the visual, we need to make sure we’re beautified.”
While the program has been met with enthusiasm, Bird acknowledged that some potential volunteers might be hesitant due to the responsibilities involved. She clarified that volunteer wardens may need to appear in court to present evidence if someone is charged with illegal dumping.
Despite this potential deterrent, the initiative represents a significant step towards community-driven environmental stewardship by empowering citizens to take an active role in waste management, the island aims to create a cleaner, healthier environment for residents and visitors alike.