EMA, Cepep join forces to protect the environment

Published: 15 Jul 2010

There is tremendous potential for the Environmental Management Authority and the Community-based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (Cepep) to work together on the clean-up and beautification campaign and regional projects. A statement from the EMA yesterday said that both entities have started discussions regarding building a more effective relationship. The talks have centred on the C&B T&T drive, regional clean-ups, joint public awareness projects, resource sharing and coordination. The aim is to promote and better execute better environmental management practices. They plan to enter into a memorandum of agreement to define their working relationship. The meeting, held at the EMA’s St Clair office on Tuesday, was led by Dr Joth Singh, managing director and chief executive officer of the EMA. Representing Cepep were Carlston Clarke, acting general manager; Dr Pat Bishop, social marketing and communications consultant; and, Nigel Benjamin, regional coordinator.

Building synergies The EMA said in the statement that Dr Roodal Moonilal, Minister of Housing and the Environment, has advocated greater collaboration and synergies among agencies responsible for the environment. The EMA, Cepep, Forestry Division, Chaguaramas Development Agency, Land Settlement Agency, Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Committee and the Housing Development Corporation, currently reside under a single ministry. The EMA quoted Moonilal as previously that EMA and Cepep, having common objectives, must build on their relationship. “There is a unique opportunity to bring together the labour force and equipment of Cepep with the technical, legislative and coordinating capacities in the EMA to solve environmental problems in T&T,” Singh said in the statement. The parties at the meeting discussed Beetham Gardens at length. Singh said some industrial operators in the vicinity of Beetham Gardens have been issued with water pollution permits as required under the water pollution rules. Source: http://guardian.co.tt/business/business/2010/07/15/ema-cepep-join-forces-protect-environment