Thirty aesthetically pleasing and biodegradable public bins were commissioned by the Division of Health and Social Services last Thursday at the Esplanade.

Lois Solomon, acting Public Health Inspector IV, Public Health, welcomed everyone to the ceremony and she reminded the audience that the disposal of garbage is everyone's personal responsibility in order to keep Tobago beautiful. She noted that this exercise of commissioning the Public Bins was in keeping with Tobago's motto of Clean, Green, Safe and Serene. Since the Esplanade was regularly used, the bins were placed there. It is envisioned that soon more bins would be located throughout Scarborough and in other communities.

Ethyln John, Administrator, Division of Health and Social Services stated that the Commissioning of the Bins was in support of the Scarborough Beautification Project.

The departments of Public Health, Litter Eradication and CEPEP, as well as Waste Management and Garbage Collection are the responsibility of her Division, and together they all work to uphold Tobago's motto she said. John also noted that the Division is seeking to expand its programs and looking at the Zero Waste Philosophy, the reduction of waste, and the reduction in consumption.

The Division is also looking at the reintroduction of litter wardens to enforce the law by issuing fines for littering.

She also challenged the residents and visitors of Scarborough and outlining areas to not destroy the bins as it was an investment. Everyone should seek to eliminate litter and help maintain Tobago as the Capital of Paradise.

Assemblyman Claudia Groome-Duke, Secretary of Health and Social Services in her address highlighted the fact that the visibility of the efforts of the Public Health Department was raised by the placement of the bins.

She stressed that the Public Health Department plays an important role in disease prevention, maintaining a healthy environment and promoting healthy lifestyles.

The issue of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, high cholesterol was noted as affecting 60% of the population because of their unhealthy lifestyle choices.

Groome-Duke stated that the Division spent of $81,000 in purchasing the public bins from the environmentally based company 'Protecting Our Universal Investment' (POUI) located in Trinidad and Tobago.

The public was therefore urged to protect this investment. She said that. "It is a piece of outdoor furniture that can withstand all elements.