Hanover Parish Council has launched its vector control campaign, beginning at Blenheim, the birthplace of National Hero Sir Alexander Bustamante, whose 132nd birthday will be commemorated today.

Secretary/Manager David Gardner said the council is partnering with the Ministry of Health, the Hanover Fire Department, National Youth Service (NYS), and other agencies and groups to focus on high-risk communities, including Lances Bay, Tryall Gardens, and Hopewell to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

Blenheim, he said, has received special attention, with clean-up operations on the grounds of the Bustamante Monument Museum and the adjoining community.

“Thus far, we have done a lot of work in terms of sensitisation of our parish in terms of cleaning-up activities and the cleaning of drains,” Gardner said.

He pointed out that the sensitisation programme is getting the support of volunteers from the NYS, who have been trained by the Hanover Health Department and have been working in communities.

Gardner said the volunteers have been working to identify mosquito breeding sites and to make provision for further clean-up of those areas.

“We have also extended ourselves into the Blenheim area and in the upcoming days we are going to carry out fogging of that entire area, specifically in preparation for the celebrations,” he said.

Meanwhile, Jamaica Cultural Development Commission director for community cultural development services, Marjorie Leyden, said that a special feature of this year’s celebration will be the dramatisation of the national hero’s contribution to the country’s labour movement by students from Green Island High School. Students from Cacoon Primary School, the national hero’s alma mater, will also participate in the annual civic ceremony.