January 12, 2017: The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government along with key stakeholders will begin the National Clean-Up Campaign in Diego Martin on Saturday 14th January, 2017 with a launch ceremony on the Foreshore at 9:00am followed by intensive clean-up activities being undertaken throughout the region over the weekend. Each Corporation will have its own launch in the coming weeks.
“We are overwhelmed by and profoundly grateful for the level of support we have received from the business community thus far, with many corporate citizens volunteering their services and equipment to conduct clean-up activities. And many people have already begun cleaning-up in their own properties and communities, which is encouraging more and more people to join in. The response thus far really shows that people want to step in and take control of their surroundings and give back to their communities. They are just looking for the guidance to do it,” said Minister Hosein.
This initiative was inspired by Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley’s inaugural speech wherein he called for a restoration of the spirit of volunteerism and the building up of self-sufficiency among all citizens in our beloved nation. According to Minister Hosein, “At the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government, we see this a step towards local government reform as it will empower each Corporation to create a clean-up plan directly tailored to the needs of its communities. And the community spirit arising out of the volunteerism in the National Clean-Up Campaign will improve relationships between communities and their local government representatives as they work alongside one another.”
As the National Clean-Up Campaign continues, Minister Hosein calls on all volunteers to join in, especially those corporate citizens who are able to lend support with the use of their backhoes, dump trucks, excavators, skid steer loaders and tractors. He said, “The corporate volunteers are essential in this clean-up, and we appeal to them to take a vested interest in their communities, to assist their families, friends and neighbours in improving and beautifying our surroundings.” The Campaign will target derelict vehicles, old tyres, overgrown and vacant lots, dilapidated structures, illegal billboards, bulk and white waste, and community drains across Trinidad and Tobago. Together we will create cleaner, healthier and safer communities. Let’s team up to clean up!
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For further information please contact:
The Communications Unit
Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government
868-628-8285