Javascript Menu by Deluxe-Menu.com

SKNBuzz Radio - Strictly Local Music Toon Center
My Account | Contact Us  

Our Partner For Official online store of the Phoenix Suns Jerseys

 Home  >  Headlines  >  NEWS
Posted: Tuesday 3 June, 2014 at 11:16 PM

Constituency Five petition against La Vallee ponds and Chikungunya eruption

One of the ponds at La Vallee
By: Jenise Ferlance-Isaac, SKNVibes.com

    BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - OVER the weekend, more than 300 Sandy Pointers along with Parliamentary Representative for Constituency Five Hon. Shawn Richards signed a petition that stated they are displeased with the ponds at La Vallee, which they are claiming has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

     

    A letter addressed to Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas and Health Minister Hon. Marcella Liburd yesterday (Jun. 2) cited concerns of the constituents with regards to the mosquito problems stemming from the presence of the ponds at the development site and its possible relation to the residents contracting Chikungunya.

    The now defunct La Vallee Greens Development was erected some 12 years ago with the intention of being a luxury golf course. In the process, a number of man-made ponds were created as part of the development.

    On several occasions, the residents of Sandy Point and Fig Tree had complained about the state of the development area, as it is not being maintained and has become overgrown with trees and bushes and the ponds are now "a breeding ground for mosquitoes".

    With the recent revelation by Acting Chief Environmental Health Officer Alexander Riley that the majority of confirmed and suspected cases of Chikungunya came from Sandy Point, concerns were again raised and a push has now been made for something to be done about  La Vallee.

    The letter, penned by Richards, states: "The World Health Organisation (WHO) notes relative to Chikungunya, that the proximity of mosquito vector breeding sites to human habitation is a significant risk factor for Chikungunya as well as for other diseases that these species transmit...

    "Therefore, my constituents are extremely concerned since we have had outbreaks of Chikungunya here in St. Kitts with the majority of confirmed cases thus far being in the Sandy Point Community which borders La Vallee. As a matter of fact, quite a number of the persons who signed the petition have had Chikungunya. Hence, the request for urgent action to alleviate or remedy the mosquito breeding grounds at La Vallee."

    It also stated that the government has been asking the public to assist with reducing the spread of the illness by eliminating any possible mosquito attraction in and around their homes, and that the government has an equal right to assist by eliminating those breeding grounds that are in its direct control or ownership.

    Speaking with Richards, he told this publication that the petition action is not a political issue but one of securing the health and safety of the residents of Sandy Point and Fig Tree, adding that the petition was signed by persons on both sides of the political divide.

    Some of the actions that could be taken, he said, could be having the ponds treated with chemicals, cleared or fishes could be placed in them.

    "Whatever remedial action the government embarks upon, providing it solves the mosquito problem, the residents of Constituency Number Five would be happy," he added.

    Richards also told this publication that if action is not taken by the government the residents of the area would have to seek other options.

    "If action is not taken by the government, the residents of Sandy Point would have to consider what other options are available to us, either personal or to force the government to take action."

    Richards further told this publication that he was encouraged by the fact that an officer within the Ministry of Health has indicated that they are aware of the petition and showed interest in taking a look at the La Valle ponds with the intention of seeing what actions could be taken to alleviate the mosquito problem.

    He also said it appears that the petition had already started serving its purpose.

     
Copyright © 2024 SKNVibes, Inc. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy   Terms of Service