Dear Editor,
Permit me to vent my frustration with the current open air burning in the agro industry as well within the township of New Amsterdam.
Firstly, I shall address the burning of the canefields and the rice lands. We are all aware that these lands in most cases are sprayed with pesticides before burning. Now when we burn these fields, whatever is there to burn goes into the atmosphere, and then we see the cane dust as we know it flying around and settling on the ground and sometimes in the houses (for those who leave their windows open because the heat is severe these days). Apart from the cane dust creating a visibly unattractive situation for many homes, what about the smoke for some of those who live within the environs of the fields?
Secondly, can we have a recycling plant established in New Amsterdam? Everyday someone would light a heap of garbage along the Strand roadway that affects those residents. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a flier stating that those who engage in open burning activities would be fined eighty thousand dollars. While I agree with the fine being hefty, I think for the betterment of all, the public would need alternative ways to get rid of their garbage (recycling is the way to go). In closing I wish that the relevant authorities can think of ways to help decrease air pollution. We must be cognizant of the health hazards that stem from pollution. We must do better in order to be a developed country.
Yours faithfully,
Tanya Niamatali
