April 7 th 2020, Kent House, Maraval– The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government recognizes that meticulous personal hygiene and responsible social behaviour have become increasingly important as we all work together to stem the spread of COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus).
Consequently, Minister Kazim Hosein commends all Mayors and Chairmen and their respective Councils, Chief Executive Officers and employees across the fourteen (14) Municipal Corporations on the many proactive and progressive measures that have been implemented, thus far. We acknowledge that these efforts must be sustained to ensure best practices, as it relates to personal hygiene, are maintained.
In this regard, we reiterate the important role that the Municipal Corporations play in providing essential services to citizens such as timely garbage collection and the execution of public sanitation services, particularly during this time.
The Disaster Management Units (DMUs) will be assisting the Ministry of Health in the distribution of masks in all municipalities. They have already collected food hampers from the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services for distribution to families in need throughout all municipalities. The Units are also facilitating public service announcements in all electoral districts in Trinidad as we continue to keep citizens informed of best practices and latest developments.
Geographic Information System (GIS) maps illustrating population data have been provided to the Ministry of Health to assist with the mapping of COVID-19 cases and contact tracing. Moreover, mattresses have been supplied to members of the Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force (TTDF) located at the Sangre Grande Quarantine Centre to further improve their accommodations.
The Ministry has also engaged in sensitizing employees of Municipalities and has reinforced the responsibility of Corporations to genuinely execute their duty of care to employees as well as members of the public by providing a safe working environment and place of business operations.
It is imperative that, as we continue to serve the burgesses of our respective City, Borough or Region, we also properly equip our staff with the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and required resources.
The Ministry is therefore advising all Municipal Corporations to carry out the following:
1) Disseminate all notices regarding COVID-19 from official government channels and health authorities, above all the Ministry of Health, to burgesses, using appropriate communication channels such as mobile public address systems, social media and flyers.
2) Public Markets/Abattoirs;
a. Conduct information/sensitization sessions with all vendors, to be delivered by the respective Public Health Departments
b. Increase frequency of sanitization exercises
c. Where possible, install hand sanitizer dispensers or install hand washing stations
d. Prioritize truck-borne water/water trucking deliveries to vulnerable burgesses, especially in rural communities;
e. Engage existing volunteer networks to garner support of all stakeholders, including corporate citizens (Business Associations and Chambers of Commerce) in support of persons in need and those being affected by the economic slow-down.
3) Increased Municipal Police presence (patrols) across all beaches, rivers, recreation grounds, markets, abattoirs, cemeteries and cremation sites to ensure that the law is obeyed and gatherings are discouraged. This is in keeping with the Government’s guidelines following the amendment to the Public Health Ordinance, in light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Minister Hosein also reiterated, “As citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, we need to heed the Government’s call to stay home and minimize the spread of this virus. Continue to be your brother’s keeper and encourage each other to heed the guidelines put in place for our own safety.”
He added, “We understand that the corporations provide essential sanitation services that are of paramount importance to all burgesses and therefore are kindly asking that an “all-of-community” approach be adopted in maintaining cleaner and healthier surroundings. We also encourage burgesses to contact their Public Health Units for information and advice as this situation evolves.”
As a member of the recently Cabinet-appointed Standing Committee to deal with public health concerns and emerging infectious diseases, the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government will continue to provide services to the people as best as possible as well as provide timely updates on decisions taken by the Ministry and Corporations during this time.
Minister Hosein extends a special commendation to our Trinidad and Tobago Municipal Police Officers and sanitation workers who are on the frontline of this fight against the COVID-19 virus and thanks them for their unwavering commitment to duty and further advises them to adhere to all hygiene guidelines while on duty as their safety is of utmost priority.
PUBLIC HEALTH UNITS CONTACT INFORMATION
Port of Spain City 299 – 0870 Ext. 2501/2502/2506
San Fernando City 652 – 2543
Arima Borough 612 – 4222 Ext. 117
Chaguanas Borough 665 – 5320 Ext. 3057, 3058
Point Fortin Borough 648 – 4570
Diego Martin 632 – 0713/6459
Tunapuna/Piarco 645 – 9077 Ext. 1203, 1204, 1205, 1208
San Juan/Laventille 675 – 0280 Ext. 1208
Sangre Grande 668 – 2461 Ext. 123, 125, 131
Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo 636 – 9054 Ext. 1239, 1240, 1242
Princes Town 655 – 3494 Ext. 222, 242, 260
Mayaro/Rio Claro 644 – 2261 Ext. 5033
Penal/Debe 647 – 8622/ 647 – 0961 Ext. 119
Siparia 649 – 9894