Amidst growing concerns over overflowing recycling bins across Tobago, Director Shawn Roberts of the Tobago Recycling Resource Initiative (TRRI) has sounded the alarm on funding cuts from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA). This setback has jeopardized the initiative’s ability to manage and collect recyclables effectively, prompting public outcry and logistical challenges.
Since its inception, TRRI has been instrumental in promoting recycling habits among Tobagonians, diverting over two hundred tonnes of single-use plastics from landfill sites like the Studley Park dump. However, recent operational cutbacks have resulted in uncollected bins and mounting complaints from residents.
Roberts expressed frustration over the funding reduction, which began in April, revealing that TRRI’s financial support from the EMA’s Green Fund, in collaboration with Trinidad’s We Care Initiative, has dwindled to only 30% of previous allocations.
“I am getting calls all the time because bins are being removed,” Roberts stated, highlighting the impact of reduced funding on their operations. He emphasized efforts to engage the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) and draw attention to the critical situation.
Upon meeting with Secretary Natisha Charles-Pantin of Food Security, Natural Resources, the Environment, and Sustainable Development, Roberts outlined the challenges faced by TRRI. Charles-Pantin acknowledged the issue and requested further documentation to facilitate necessary actions. She affirmed ongoing support for the recycling initiative, aligning with the THA’s environmental protection mandate.
While awaiting responses from the EMA and investigating the bin removals, Roberts remains committed to sustaining TRRI’s efforts within limited resources. The community-driven initiative continues to seek alternative avenues to ensure Tobago’s recycling efforts remain viable amidst financial constraints.
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