Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Caye Caulker Sewage Needs Assessment

Press Release – Belize Press Office –May 24, 2011 – The Department of the Environment will be hosting another public consultation this Thursday, May 26, 2010 at the Caye Caulker Community Centre starting at 7:00 pm.

The primary objectives of the project are:

1. To investigate the waste management practices of the residents of Caye Caulker for the collection and treatment of sewage in Caye Caulker within the framework of the Land Based Sources of Marine Pollution Protocol of the Cartagena Convention (LBS Protocol).
2. To investigate the possible contamination of Caye Caulker’s ground and surface waters resulting from the current sewage waste management practices by undertaking an in depth water quality monitoring programme.
3. To investigate the current use of ground water resources in Caye Caulker to determine the potential impacts to human health.
4. To consolidate the recommendations of prior studies conducted in Caye Caulker and formulate new recommendations taking into account the realities of Caye Caulker, the new information collected and noting the recent passage of Effluent Limitations (Amendment) Regulations in line with the LBS Protocol.

Over the past year, the DOE has been sending out personnel to Caye Caulker on a regular basis to conduct water quality monitoring of both groundwater and sea water at pre-established monitoring sites. The DOE has conducted a public consultation as well as a survey to further the overall goal of the project in working towards recommendations for proper waste management in Caye Caulker.

In July 2009, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, through the Department of the Environment (DOE), embarked on a Sewage Needs Assessment Project for Caye Caulker to investigate the waste management practices of the residents of Caye Caulker and determine the extent of contamination of ground and surface waters from these waste disposal practices. All residents of Caye Caulker are invited to come out and learn more about the project.

Art of life: Is it worth it?

By Chris Emmanuel

“Circumstances in the right hands can become a great motivator.” – Emmanuel

We create our own traps in life. We suffer in occupations we don t like, incompatible friendships, places we don’t want to be in. We can suffer in abusive relationships wishing that the abuser will change. “if only he stopped drinking, if only she would do as I say, I will leave once the children grows up, I can’t survive without his money,” and on and on.. The excuses continue. It sometimes takes drastic measures for people to wake up and take charge of their lives. It takes courage to strike out on your own-you might fail, but you can also make a better life for yourself. Either way you will gain new experiences.

When you are not happy with your life, it’s important to take steps to correct the situation. It might not happen quickly but it’s well worth the effort. By just striving we become happier than if we had made no attempt at all. Making changes for a healthier life for ourselves and the ones we care for, is not always easy. But when we are suffering in a household of unhappiness it’s time to ask the question, “Is it worth it?” the days are long but the years are short. Life is happening now. When you plan to make changes now for your happiness you don’t need to count on happiness that is (or isn’t) waiting in your future.

Never overestimate your ability to change people and never underestimate your ability to change yourself for the better.

Books by Christopher Emmanuel can be purchased at his Art Gallery in The Sunbreeze Hotel, Art of Touch, Pages Book Store, Black orchid Spa and Sol Spa.