Elevate Program Participants Initiate Community Clean-Up in West Farm and Boyds

The Elevate Program, operating in the West Farm and Boyds communities of St. Kitts and Nevis, has spearheaded a transformative community clean-up initiative, embodying a proactive approach to public health and safety. The impetus for the project arose from a hazardous accumulation of fallen trees, exacerbated by illegally dumped refuse in a local gully. This blockage impeded water flow to the ghauts and ocean, creating stagnant water that fostered mosquito breeding and emitted foul odours, posing a significant threat to public health. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Elevate participants mobilized to address the issue head-on, clearing the debris and setting a powerful example of community responsibility.

The clean-up operation began with the removal of large fallen trees, followed by the systematic clearing of rubbish from the obstructed gully. The team’s efforts extended beyond the immediate area, engaging neighbours in the process. With encouragement from the Elevate team and Project Coordinator, residents joined the initiative, trimming overgrown vegetation on their properties and utilizing a large bin provided by Solid Waste. This collaborative approach fostered a sense of shared responsibility and accountability, crucial for maintaining a healthy and safe environment. The project’s impact was immediately felt and appreciated by residents, who expressed relief at the improved conditions and a reduction in mosquito-borne health risks.

This initiative aligns perfectly with the public health approach to crime and violence prevention recently introduced by Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew. By addressing environmental hazards that can contribute to blight and deterioration, the community is actively working to create a safer and healthier environment. This proactive approach fosters community unity and strengthens resilience, crucial elements in combating crime and violence at their root. Furthermore, the project demonstrates the power of community-led initiatives in supporting government policies and creating positive change.

Government support for the initiative has been affirmed by Ms. Naeemah Hazelle, Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office. She emphasized the importance of partnership between residents and government in building strong and resilient communities. This collaborative approach recognizes that community well-being relies on shared responsibility and active participation. The government’s commitment underscores the importance of initiatives like this one and signals ongoing support for community-driven efforts to improve public health and safety.

Ms. Alicia Collins, Project Coordinator of Elevate, praised the participants’ dedication and proactive approach. She underscored the importance of addressing the health hazard and emphasized Elevate’s commitment to ongoing collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and Solid Waste. Further measures, including signage and preventative measures, are planned to discourage future illegal dumping and maintain the positive changes achieved by the clean-up. This commitment to long-term solutions highlights the program’s dedication to sustainable community transformation.

The clean-up unearthed the extent of the problem, revealing discarded mattresses and rugs that contributed to the blockage, underscoring the need for continued community vigilance. The initiative serves as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility for community health and well-being. Participants emphasized the importance of sustained collective action, recognizing that individual efforts, when combined, create a powerful force for positive change. The project exemplifies the transformative potential of community engagement and underscores the crucial role of shared responsibility in building a healthier and safer environment for all. The Elevate Program, through this initiative, demonstrates its commitment to not only rehabilitation and second chances but also to community pride, ownership, and lasting transformation across St. Kitts and Nevis.