The Environmental Health Department, Ministry of Home Affairs, Como Parrot Cay and Middle Caicos communities unite for successful island-wide cleanup

PRESS RELEASE 

FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH 

AND HUMAN SERVICES 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 20 May 2025: The Environmental Health Department, in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Transportation, and in partnership with the Sustainability Department of Como Parrot Cay, spearheaded a highly successful community cleanup initiative on Saturday, May 17, 2025, across the settlements of Middle Caicos. The collaborative effort brought together officers from the Environmental Health Department, District Commissioner Delancy, the staff from Como Parrot Cay, and residents of Middle Caicos for a unified day of action.

The primary purpose of this proactive initiative was to enhance the environmental health and overall well-being of the Middle Caicos community by removing unsightly and potentially hazardous litter from public spaces. This cleanup directly addresses the critical issue of mosquito proliferation. Accumulated litter, particularly discarded containers, can hold water and provide ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes within the community.

The cleanup operation saw the dedicated group divided into three teams, each strategically assigned to one of Middle Caicos’ main settlements: Conch Bar, Lorimers and Bambarra. This decentralized approach ensured comprehensive coverage across the island. Participants diligently collected litter along roadways and public areas, and secured it in garbage bags.

Illustrating outstanding community spirit and invaluable generosity, Middle Caicos resident Mrs. Elsa James kindly volunteered her truck to transport the collected garbage bags to the designated Lorimers landfill.

Through the dedicated efforts of volunteers and partners, an impressive 30 bags of litter were successfully removed from the environment. This significant achievement underscores the commitment of all involved to preserving the natural beauty and health of Middle Caicos and by extension our Beautiful by Nature, Turks and Caicos Islands.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   The day’s cleanup initiative was a testament to the power of collaboration and community spirit. The Environmental Health Department is immensely grateful for the enthusiastic participation of District Commissioner Delancy, the dedicated team from Como Parrot Cay, and the diligent residents of Middle Caicos. Their hard work has made an indelible mark in creating a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone.

District commissioner Osbourne Delancy added, “It was inspiring to witness the community come together for this important cause. This initiative highlights the commitment of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Transportation to support the well-being of our communities and working alongside our partners to achieve positive outcomes.”

The Sustainability Department of Como Parrot Cay also expressed their satisfaction with the day’s success. “Como Parrot Cay is deeply committed to environmental stewardship within the Turks and Caicos Islands. We were proud to partner with the Environmental Health Department and the Middle Caicos community on this cleanup, and we look forward to future collaborations that benefit the local environment and its residents.”

The Environmental Health Department plans to collaborate with the Department of Agriculture to plant mosquito-repellant plants in various settlements. This initiative will not only aim to further reduce the mosquito population and prevent vector-borne diseases but to also foster a sense of community involvement, as local residents will be engaged in the planting and maintenance of the mosquito repellant plants. The community impact of this initiative is expected to be significant. By planting mosquito-repellant plants, we can help reduce the risks of diseases such as dengue and chikungunya, which are prevalent in the region. The presence of these plants will also improve the overall quality of life for residents, making outdoor spaces more enjoyable and reducing the need for chemical insecticides. This initiative will serve as an educational opportunity, raising awareness among community members about the benefits of using natural methods to control mosquito populations.

Commenting on this initiative, Honourable Minister of Health and Human Services, Kyle Knowles stated that he “Extends his sincere gratitude to all individuals and organizations that contributed to the success of the Middle Caicos community cleanup initiative. This collaborative effort serves as a shining example of how collective action can lead to a healthier, safer, and more beautiful environment for all.”

For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.