The nation of Antigua and Barbuda is objectively one of the most beautiful places in the world. At this moment, it is plagued with a situation that stands in stark contrast to its natural opulence – there is trash all over the place.
Can a country survive with this type of dichotomy? What informs the mindset of the citizens that undermine this literal paradise with reckless abandon?
Orville Charles grew up in Potters Village, Antigua. After graduating from the University of Baltimore with a degree in Digital Communication, he spent years in the Social Work field, serving vulnerable populations and doing community outreach. He is an avid student of History, with many years of freelance experience in Multimedia.
Waste of resources, time, energy and your voice making this video! Quotes useful, educational and true but let’s be for real! We are living here in Antigua. Just today I’m driving behind a guy and he’s throwing garbage out of his car! This is madness. Some of these garbages are even hide away. These bulk garbage are a real hazard to people’s health!
When I was a child someone gave an impactful talk at my secondary school about littering, and I never litter. We also participated in cleanup activities on occasions such as Earth Day. Perhaps, the solution can be to raise awareness amongst the youth every year. There are also many immigrants to this country who might not care that much about the potential beauty of this land. Perhaps an awareness campaign for adults about the importance of keeping the environment clean would help, not just for appearances but for health purposes as well. Finally, ensure that there are garbage bins, recycling facilities, green waste composting or disposal, bulk waste collection, and hazardous waste collection procedures readily available. In one place I lived, every home had a flyer on the fridge detailing what to do with each type of waste. Perhaps National Solid Waste could create and distribute something like that to help adults keep proper garbage disposal in mind.
The government should conduct the initial clean up of known dumping areas then post no dumping signs along with fines for violating the ordinance. Pick up of bulky items such as old refrigerators and the like should be conducted on a regularly scheduled basis or at least inform citizens where they can be safely discarded. Additionally, install solar/ trail cameras in the affected areas and apply immediate consequences to violators. Everyone has a phone camera; so concerned citizens should record motorists who insist on being trashy and forward the video to the authorities who must then apply stiff penalties to offenders. Public works or some other government entity should institute a No Dumping on Antigua ad campaign, posting build boards starting at the airport and continuing with seaport, and village entrances/ dumping sites. Clubs such as Rotary, cub scouts, girl scouts and businesses should adopt several miles of highway and/ or a specific village that they will be responsible for cleaning on a monthly/ bi-monthly basis. If all else fails, get the boys from boys school and low risk prisoners to suit up and clean up. Use the carrot or stick method by congratulating clean villages/ specific areas or shine an embarrassing spotlight on the places that are just atrocious. We must all take pride in where we live… Antigua and remember, cleanliness is next to Godliness.
Environmental consciousness isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a daily practice. This video powerfully illustrates that true national development begins with respecting and preserving the land we call home. I have been a member of an environmental club and you would be surprised the amount of trash is left there waiting to be found.
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Comments (8)
Juju Bee June 24, 2025, 8:04 PM
Antigua Surf June 24, 2025, 8:34 PM
Anonymous June 25, 2025, 2:48 AM
Cathy June 24, 2025, 8:38 PM
Solutions June 25, 2025, 5:40 AM
Teacher for Life June 25, 2025, 8:21 AM
Caleb June 27, 2025, 4:31 PM
Informed citizen June 25, 2025, 7:35 PM