Philipsburg:---An empty lot located next to the First Caribbean Bank situated between Cannegieter street and Back street is being used by many as a dumping ground.
This lot which has become a parking lot for persons working in the Philipsburg area has become an eyesore to many pedestrians, locals and visitors alike as well as for many of the business people working in the vicinity.
St. Maarten PRIDE foundation has received several complaints over the past year about this situation to the extent that persons have sent photos to show the severity of the problem.
The Prosecutor office has been informed of this and advice is being sought on how to further deal with the situation at hand.
Reports reaching the foundation is that many of the neighboring stores and shops are having their cleaning personnel dump their business garbage there, as well as people passing through Cannegieter and Back street who just throw their bottle or can into the pile contributing to a larger pile of garbage.
Inspector Esdale from ROB has informed the PRIDE foundation that just two months ago the land was cleaned up by a group of youths who were mandated by the court to carry out community service as part of their court sentence.
From the photographs sent to the Sint Maarten PRIDE Foundation, it is evident that dumping continues at this location without regard for the cleanliness of the island and the natural environment.
St. Maarten PRIDE Foundation is calling on the owner of the lot to try to keep his land free from garbage pile up. However, while the trash is seemingly originating from shop owners in the vicinity, shop keepers have a responsibility to live up to their responsibility by having their trash removed by a private contractor. At no time should cleaning personnel from stores and businesses dump trash anywhere around Philipsburg and leave it for someone else to pick up.
(St. Maarten Pride Foundation)