Minister of Health and Social Development, Honourable Dancia Penn, O.B.E., Q.C. Photo Credit: GIS

The delegation’s visit was to convey the ministry’s appreciation for the hard work and dedication shown by the solid waste personnel during the Easter and August festivals, as well as their expeditious mobilisation after Hurricane Earl and the floods caused by Hurricane Igor.

In her motivational remarks to the workers the Health Minister stated, “As Deputy Premier and Minister for Health, I wanted to meet with each of you and to express our appreciation, on behalf of the Government and the people of the Territory for your hard work.”

As she addressed the assembly of approximately sixty employees comprised of workers from the incinerator plant, sanitation workers as well as those from the department’s main office, the Health Minister informed them that they were a part of her team and she was proud of them.

Minister Penn highlighted the importance the workers’ roles and the sacrifices made as they sought to fulfill their responsibilities. She stated, “Each of you plays an important role in the lives of our communities. I know that it is a difficult job, it is not always a pleasant job and it is a hard job, but on behalf of my team at the Ministry of Health, we want to say thank you.”

She furthermore acknowledged the working conditions of the solid waste personnel when she stated, “We know the conditions are not ideal, but we are committed to improving them and thank you for your continued patience as we strive to do so”.

During the visit, the Health Minister expressed concern about the workers’ health and stressed the importance of each worker participating in the annual medical examinations that were provided for them, especially with the nature of their jobs. She also fielded various questions ranging from the payment of overtime to the completion of the new incinerator plant.

As she concluded, Minister Penn also thanked Solid Waste Manager, Mr. Anslem Myers for his longstanding service to the Territory in the area of solid waste management and for leading the department.

The Health Minister was accompanied by Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Petrona Davies, Assistant Secretary, Mrs. Beverly Hodge-Smith, Private Secretary, Ms. Betty Chalwell and Clerk of Works, Mr. Greg Massicotte at the Solid Waste Department on Wednesday, September 29.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspires to provide leadership that promotes health, social wellbeing, and a safe environment as positive resources for living and sustainable development of the Territory.