EFFORTS to properly contain solid waste in Portland got a boost last week with the positioning of skips (large metal garbage receptacles) in Port Antonio.

Mayor, Phillip Thomas, deputy mayor, Dexter Roland and various community representatives were on hand at Titchfield Hill two weeks ago, to witness the placement of a skip, one of a total of 20 provided by the Coastal Water Quality Improvement Project (CWIP) — a bilateral initiative between the National Environment and Planning Agency for International Development (USAID).

The occasion also marked the official handing over of the Bryan’s Bay park, site of a beautification project which was part of the solid waste management project funded by CWIP.

Describing the two events as “most opportune”, mayor Phillip Thomas said that “the emphasis in Port Antonio right now is on sanitisation and beautification and the people of Portland were committed to preserving their natural environment”.

The mayor also congratulated CWIP for having “the vision to create a park at Bryan’s bay where people can come and sit and enjoy nature”.

Solid Waste Management project manager, Caryl Grant said that the beautification project was “a real partnership between CWIP and the community” including the Portland Environmental Protection Association (PEPA); Desmond Goulbourne of the Petcom gas station at Bryan’s Bay; the Port Antonio Parish Council; Contractors PIHL; Joslyn Williams, landscaper and the Leo Club of Port Antonio.

Pointing to the once garbage-strewn area now a park boasting concrete benches and flowering plants, she said “this is only phase one”.

Phase two will include a car park and bus shed and in time, a jetty to facilitate movement to the marina and to Navy Island.

Sybil Randle of the Parish Development Committee noted that the project “complements activities under the West Harbour Development Project thereby bringing greater value to the community and praised CWIP for “making meaningful contribution in enhancing the Portland environment”.

CWIP’s organisational strengthening officer, Indeok Oak explained that the projects were all a part of a wholistic approach to waste management.

But added that “it needed support from the community and the correct attitudes and behaviour” to sustain the positive gains.

“The placement of skips are only one element of the effort to keep Portland clean. We must ensure that we maintain them, and operate an efficient system for clearing them regularly,” Oak added.

Both Clive Ragbar, parish manager for the North Eastern Parks & Markets (NEPM) and Alvin Williams, chief public cleansing officer of NEPM are committed to ensuring this.

The provision of the skips and the Bryan’s Bay park are only two of the projects completed by CWIP since the opening of the Port Antonio office in February.

Other activities have included “clean-up” days, in association with 22 communities, the distribution of tools and equipment to these communities to assist them in maintaining and preserving their environment and the hosting of environmental education seminars. With CWIP assistance, the communities have evaluated their environments and developed sustainable sanitation solutions.