Trinidad and Tobago's newly elected Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar is launching a war on litterbugs in the oil-rich nation branded as one of the region's most unclean countries.
As she addressed the official launch of a national clean up campaign late Friday, Persad Bissessar promised to introduce tougher legislation to penalize those who continue to "violate the environment with their dirty ways."
Just over a month since she was elected as the Caribbean archipelago's first female premier, Persad Bissessar set aside Sunday June 27 as a national clean up day.
The massive Clean and Beautify Trinidad and Tobago (CNBTT) effort will involve the private sector, local and central government bodies, with locals pitching in to clear clogged drains, dispose of household and community garbage and beautify the country by planting trees and plants.
Persad Bissessar said Trinidad and Tobago sets a "poor example of environmental awareness."
"We complain yearly of flooding but yet at the same time we dump rubbish indiscriminately and clog our drains," she added.
This green initiative is just the beginning of a move towards a "psychological shift" in the minds of citizens, Persad Bissessar said as she warned that those who spoil the environment will face penalties.
"I propose to have discussions with the minister of the environment and the minister of legal affairs to explore the development of a tough litter warden program supported by a strong litter abatement act," she added.
"The current legislation is both weak and the laws are really not enforced."
The premier held out hope for the country's green future.
"We will return glimmer to our national environment by education, involvement, incentive and most definitely reprimand and penalties if necessary," she added.
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