PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of VSA shares the concerns of the public regarding the negative impact that the fire at the dump is having on the overall long term and short term health of the people of St Maarten. Minister Lee stated, "With a second fire in a short period of time, clearly something is wrong with the way the dump is being managed. St Maarten definitely needs a structural long term solution but on the short term improvements are necessary, the health consequences of repeated fires is unacceptable. Apparently, either the terms of reference and scope of work for the management of the dump is flawed or the execution of the dump management plan is flawed. Either way, a change is required to protect the health of the people."
While the Ministry reiterates that residents should exercise caution and try to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals released into the air by the fire, the Ministry is already in the process of reviewing the terms of reference and criteria that has been put into place regarding the management of the dump. Additionally, the Ministry is very concerned about the health and safety of the workers at the dump. As such, the Ministry will also be looking into the safety protocols in place at the dump.
While the management of the dump falls under the Ministry of VROMI, the negative consequences on the health of the population falls under the Ministry of VSA and as such the Ministry has a responsibility to look into what can be done to protect the health of the population.
