The participants of the Elevate Program in the West Farm and Boyds communities have taken bold steps to protect their neighborhoods’ health and safety by launching a community clean-up initiative.
The group addressed a serious hazard in the area: fallen trees from recent high winds, along with refuse illegally dumped in the gully, which caused major blockages preventing water from flowing freely to the ghauts and out to the ocean. The obstruction posed a significant public health risk, leading to foul odors and an increase in mosquito breeding.
Working together, the team began by removing large fallen trees and clearing the gully of rubbish before extending their efforts to surrounding areas. Neighbors were actively engaged in the process, with encouragement from the team and Project Coordinator to cut back overgrown trees on their properties, make full use of the large bin provided by Solid Waste, and hold one another accountable against future dumping.
One grateful resident shared:
“I am very happy the guys are doing this, and I always commend them for their hard work. The mosquitoes were starting to increase and the stench wasn’t pleasant at all!”
This initiative directly supports the vision of the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Honorable Dr. Terrance Drew, who recently launched the approach of treating crime and violence as a public health issue. By tackling environmental hazards, community members are making their neighborhoods healthier and safer while also fostering unity and accountability, important steps in the broader fight against crime and violence.
Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, Ms. Naeemah Hazelle, pledged the Government’s continued support, noting:
“Our communities are strongest when residents and government work hand in hand. Initiatives like this demonstrate how we can come together to protect health, preserve our environment, and strengthen community resilience.”
Project Coordinator of Elevate, Ms. Alicia Collins, commended the participants for taking on such a vital project:
“I am so pleased with the team for addressing what was clearly a major health hazard. Elevate will be collaborating with the Ministry of Health, Solid Waste, and other relevant stakeholders to erect signage and implement measures to discourage the dumping of refuse in the gutters. This is only the beginning of ongoing efforts to keep our communities safe and clean.”
During the exercise, participants uncovered old mattresses and rugs discarded in a nearby property, further contributing to the blockage. One participant encouraged fellow residents to remain committed to collective action:
“We can’t do this alone. The health of our people depends on all of us working together.”
The clean-up initiative demonstrates Elevate’s mission to not only provide rehabilitation and second-chance opportunities, but also to foster community pride, ownership, and transformation across St. Kitts and Nevis.
