The Cooperatives Division is on a drive to educate member cooperatives on the island on the importance of proper Solid Waste Management.
This was done through a one day environmental awareness workshop held at the Public Service Training Centre on Thursday May 10, 2012.
The workshop was organized in collaboration with the Environmental Health Department and the Environmental Coordinating unit as part of local activities to celebrate International year of Cooperatives.
Cooperatives officer Rennick Toussaint said it’s important that cooperatives get an appreciation and knowledge on proper disposal of solid waste.
“The environmental aspect of Cooperatives is one that we should take seriously. It is therefore important that members of cooperatives and Dominicans alike see solid waste management, not just for those who pick up the rubbish but for all of us”.
Toussaint said Cooperatives should not rule out the possibilities of effectively managing their waste.
“For example the Believers Cooperatives use coconut as a part of their business. All the waste from that Cooperative can be used to make composting and other stuff. The waste can be sold to those involved in organic farming in Castle Bruce”.
The workshop also exposed participants to knowledge on methods of recycling. Toussaint told the workshop participants that recycling has been identified as a possible business option for Cooperatives.
“Cooperatives are a business model that we are trying to promote this year as a viable option for Dominica. I wish that the information we receive today will be profitable for our cooperatives and that from here we will see cooperatives going into solid waste management as a business option in Dominica.
Environmental Officer of the Environmental Coordinating Unit Bradley Guye, delivered a presentation at Thursday’s workshop. His presentation focused on themes such as land uses in Dominica and the impact of pollution.