San San stink - Anger greets news of illegal dump sites in pristine Portland community

A probe has been launched into the illegal dumping of garbage in a section of the upscale community of San San in Portland.

The parish health department, the police, and the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) are leading the probe after residents reported that persons on a truck were seen picking up garbage in and around the community.

The garbage was then dumped in bushes near an abandoned roadway in the upscale residential community.

According to a senior official at the health department in Port Antonio, who asked not to named, a report was made more than two weeks ago about the garbage being dumped in some areas in the community.

"The police and the National Solid Waste Management Authority are aware of the situation," said the health department official.

DANGEROUS PRACTICE

"They were informed by our office after we learnt about the dangerous practice. As a matter of fact, approximately three illegal dumping sites were discovered in the upscale community.

"This could very well become a breeding ground for roaches, rats, and other rodents. Those involved in this illicit practice will be caught," declared the official.

In the meantime, Chairman of the Portland Parish Council Wayne McKenzie told The Sunday Gleaner that he was only recently told about the illegal activity.

According to McKenzie, there is no way the illegal dumping of garbage will be tolerated in any community in the parish.

"I am urging the police to investigate swiftly and to bring those involved before the courts," said McKenzie.

San San is a residential community, located approximately four miles east of Port Antonio. The upscale houses are nestled in lush vegetation - extending along the coastlines up to the hilly interior.

The world-renowned San San Beach, which is famous for its glittering quarter mile of white sand, is open to only the rich and famous.

The community is home to Member of Parliament for Portland Eastern Dr Linvale Bloomfield, John Baker of Gee Jam Collection, and Robert and Barbara Florea, two foreigners who have contributed heavily to the development of east Portland since they made it their home.

According to Bloomfield, while he is not aware of any illegal dumping taking place in the community, the authorities need to act fast to determine if the claims are true.

"The Ministry of Health and the local government authorities need to look into this matter immediately," said Bloomfield.

"I am not aware of this development, but it is not something that I can condone or ignore. It is a rather serious matter and the authorities should take charge. The best way is to catch those involved in this illicit practice.

"It is unfair and unbecoming of anyone to be dumping garbage in a residential community," added Bloomfield.