Clean up our landfills!

Dear Minister Dorsett,
I write to you because I am concerned about the state of the landfill in Nassau and the family islands.  I have seen the type of garbage that goes in, and I have seen it burn in our dumps and landfills for days on end. 

As it stands now the garbage goes uncovered for days, it sits in unlined holes releasing noxious gases and emissions that lead to important health, environment and security concerns. 

Health
The health effects of inhalation exposure to airborne chemicals, metals and pollutants are well known to many of our fellow Bahamians.  Most of us have experienced cough, asthma and respiratory problems as short term effects of these noxious emissions.  Who knows what the long term effects will be?  With the small size of the island and the way winds shift, everyone can be affected.

Environment
Toxic gases and emissions, heavy metals, chemicals and pollutants contaminate our soil, air, water systems, vegetation and wildlife.  Methane, ammonia, and dioxins are only some of these emissions.  Besides some of the hospital waste, we do not have a facility to separate other hazardous waste.  Therefore, poisonous substances such as mercury and cadmium are released everyday from batteries, old medicines, household cleaning and garden chemicals.

Security
Explosion hazards are a reality in landfills where no gas collection systems exist to control possible fires and explosions.  There are schools, houses and communities built around our Nassau landfill! 

Minister, I have taken note that other island communities have started to integrate recycling into the normal garbage collection routines.  I also have noted that other island communities in the CARICOM have supported the energy demands of their people through waste-to-energy technologies and even solar panel provisions.  We want this for ourselves, our nation and our generations to come!  I sign this petition to show that we support the changes needed to take us to an integrated waste management system in The Bahamas.

Our islands are too small to have the infinite problem of garbage overlooked.  In Nassau, the garbage not only comes from locals, but also from the cruise boats and hotels.  

Please pave the way towards a first class facility for waste management!  These important decisions can be your office's legacy as other administrations have only come close.  

Thank you. 

Sincerely,

[Your name]