Dear Editor,
I am writing as a 9-month resident of Sint Maarten, who loves the people and the island.
It is with grave concern that I write to you about the very serious current situation, and long-term health and economic consequences, of the handling of waste products, particularly with the addition of more waste post-Irma.
This is not my country, but I love it, and its people, and always respect the local laws and customs. As an observing onlooker, it seems preposterous to me that this waste problem is not the only and foremost matter to be dealt with immediately.
Perhaps it should be the only commitment of all arms of government, including Holland’s financial assistance to put an end of this problem. I personally. am aware of the availability of commercial incinerators, including scrubbers for boilers so there is not any dangerous byproducts of the operation of such a sizable equipment operation.
Requirements: very costly to install an incinerator that also will serve the future needs of the island; and dedication along with education of workers in running, loading, and proper operation of such equipment. Totally destroyed vehicles would have to be shipped off island, but all other things could be incinerated.
Concerned inhabitant.
Name withheld at author’s request.
