New Amsterdam targets schools to tackle environmental health issues.

Feb 12, 2020 News

The New Amsterdam Town Council in an effort to tackle and help solve the scourge of environmental health issues in the municipality has incorporated schools in the town to help with fight. The aim is to restore the township to a clean and healthy environment.

Berbice High School receive their winning trophy from acting Mayor Wainwright McIntosh

The Municipality, through its Environmental Health Department along with the Environmental Health Unit of the Ministry of Public Health and other stakeholders, hosted an educational campaign, recently.
A number of secondary and primary schools in the municipality were invited to participate in a competition and make presentations on the effect and solutions of the issue. The activity which was held at the New Amsterdam Town Hall auditorium saw six schools (three secondary and three primary school) participating.
The schools which made presentations and were awarded first, second and third places respectively were Berbice High, New Amsterdam Secondary, and Berbice Educational Institute in the secondary category.
The primary schools were All Saints Primary, St. Therese’s, Primary and Overwinning Primary.
The schools representatives in their respective presentations reflected that they were well informed with regards to the effects of littering and pollution.
Presentations were made on the effect of littering on the eco system, water borne diseases and threats to marine life among other related topics.
It was mentioned that littering was a behavioural problem, which can be solved through the utilisation of litter bins, waste management education in homes, clean up campaigns, environment clubs, community service, stringent fines, along with upgraded legislation.
The presenters were applauded for their effort, which allowed them to recognise the importance of curbing their attitude and behaviour with respect to littering.
Reference was made to the effect of lead, on the ecosystem through bioaccumulation, along with bio magnification, which is any concentration of a toxin, such as pesticides in the tissues of tolerant organisms at successively higher levels in a food chain. Acting Mayor Wainwright McIntosh thanked the participants for their sterling contribution. He reminded them of their conscious obligations to their respective environment. He made reference of the need for having stronger policies and assured the students, that their shared advice will be adhered.
McIntosh noted that as the country evolves into a green state and with the populace help, there will be the restoration of a clean and healthy township.
The audience was also asked to repeat the Environmental Pledge.
The activity was chaired by Environmental Health Officer, Ackloo Ramsud, while Human Resources Manager Cindy Watts announced the winners.