Solid waste disposal in the Caribbean: problems and practices

The disposal of municipal waste in the Caribbean has always been a significant problem for governments in the region. Increases in both population and tourism activity, together with a decrease in the amount of available land suitable for landfilling of waste, have aggravated the situation. Governments are now faced with the fact that solid waste disposal, long taken for granted, now represents a set of problems that are not easy to resolve. This article has looked at some of the main problems and practices in solid waste management in the Caribbean. The main conclusions from this study is that solid waste disposal in the Caribbean will, in all probability, continue to be accomplished by sanitary landfilling for the foreseeable future. Few Caribbean countries are economically or technically capable of installing and operating optional processes, such as incineration. Recycling, and to a lesser extent, composting will continue to play a role in waste quantity reduction; however, neither of there methods is likely to offer a complete solution to the problem. Economic considerations will continue to dominate solid waste disposal decisions, with environmental considerations only viable in cases where the local economy is relatively strong. Long-term change in public attitude be will only achieved through an educational strategy aimed at the general public and, on particular, school pupils (AU)

A study of the use and impact of pesticides in Saint Lucia

The use of chemical for pest vector control has lead to the reduction in the incidence of several communicable diseases and improvement in food quality and production. Nevertheless, the toxic properties of these pesticides present a separate threat to human health and the health of the environment. The potential for occupational exposure is of particular concern in the Caribbean where agriculture and vector control programs employ more than 40 percent of the labour force. Within Saint Lucia alone, 1,500,000 kilograms of pesticides (insecticides, fungicides and herbicides) were imported in 1990. A multi-phasic project was developed to assess and reduce the incidence of acute pesticide poisoning and the prevalence of chronic pesticide poisoning in Saint Lucia and in Trinidad and Tobago. Collaborators in this intersectoral undertaking include the Ministries of Agriculture/Health in Saint Lucia and in Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (CEHI), and Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC). This paper will summarize the results of the first phase of the project: a survey of the knowledge, attitudes, practices and beliefs (KAPB) of vector control officers in Saint Lucia and members of the Saint Lucia Banana Growers Association (SLBGA)(AU)

Grenada: country environmental profile

Provides background information on the general environmental setting of the country and also briefly reviews the historical and cultural data. This is followed by a demographic overview and a discussion of the economy. Other sections reviews the country's natural resource base, including a discussion of primary environmental issues; industry and energy, environmental pollution; land use planning; institutional framework for environmental management. The final chapter summarizes the key environmental issues and problems facing Grenada and makes recommendations to enhance the achievement of a sustainable balance between resource development on the one hand and resource conservation and resource management on the other

Health and tourism in the Caribbean

Discusses the major concerns of how environmental matters affect tourist industry and how the industry might impact negatively on the environment, thereby creating a health hazard for all. Identifies priority issues as degradation of the coastal and marine environment, solid and liquid waste mangement and water quality and supply as crucial to tourism. Examines the behaviour related health problems associated with tourism; excess alcoholic consumption, sexually transmitted diseases and drug abuse and the ability of the health services to respond to these problems. Comments on the need for greater development of health tourism in the region and points to the need for Caribbean governments to collaborate in gathering more data on health and tourism (AU)

Health and tourism in the Caribbean

Health and tourism impact on each other in the Caribbean, so it is both appropriate and necessary that those concerned with tourism in the region should consider health issues. The health and environment of the Caribbean can have good or bad effects upon the health of visitors, and tourism has health consequencies for local residents. Tourism for health purposes also needs to be considered. This article points out the major issues related to these interactions, indicates where more data are needed, and suggests lines of future action. (AU)

Environmental health and protection in Tobago: position paper

This position paper looks at Environmental Health and Protection as it relates specifically to Tobago. The three areas examined in detail are: (a) the marine environment; (b) forestry and wildlife conservation; (c) community health. The physical and natural benefits of the marine environment are looked at as well as the protection of Coral Reef Ecosystems. The problems of enforcing the necessary legislation to assist in the preservation of the same is also examined. Strategies for forestry and wildlife conservation are discussed from the view point of management practices, and the prevention of species extinction. Conservation policies were influenced by the social benefits to be derived. The legal aspect of community health in Tobago is examined as well as the Tobago House of Assembly's position as it relates to the objectives and future activities in community health. Recommendations and conclusions are given. (AU)

Religion and conservation: Hardi and hindu women in Trinidad

Little research has been done in the Caribbean on the inter-connections between religious practices and environmental protection. It is widely know that many medicinal plants face the imminient threat of extinction as the world races towards an ecological crisis. Hindus use hardi/tumeric (CURCUMA domestica Valeton) as a sacred item often as a main component in religious rituals, and also as as ingredient in food, cosmetics and medicine. This paper uses ethnographic research to investigate exactly how Hindu women ritualists in Trinidad cultivate, use and preserve the plant in their gardens for ready use at home and in the community. In their tireless attempts to promote biodiversity, conservationists may have to adopt a new approach by working with religious groups, or showing the public how plant protection is related to religious values (AU)