The rainy season is officially with us and the bush fires will end for this year. Next year we will see a repeat of the same cycle as has been happening now almost every year.
This year the fires caused extensive damage to the environment and also to personal property. The authorities have expressed concern and have made the right step.
Ms Ramona Ramdial, Minister in the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, convened a meeting of the agencies involved in fighting bush fires including the Fire Services, the Defence Force Air Guard, the Forestry Division Fire Prevention Unit and the National Operations Centre.
However, the most important contributor in any effort in the minimising and control of bush fires would be the local government bodies. And, from the reports of the meetings, it appears that local government was left out completely.
Most bush fires start near to existing communities. Any community properly mobilised will be able to put out a bush fire within easy reach of the community. There are very simple and inexpensive implements or fire beaters that can be used in this process. There are several communities in the Northern Range that are already engaged in this type of activity.
Four recommendations that came out of Minister Ramdial's meeting were:
1. Increasing the fine from $1,500 to $10,000 for those caught intentionally setting fires. (It is noticed that no one has ever been convicted under these provisions);
2. Building retaining ponds;
3. Training of people in forest fire fighting and fire suppression;
4. Leasing of Forest Fire Water Bomber planes.
It is noticed that the emphasis and recommendations of the meeting highlight the clear distinction between the modus of central government and local government.
While central government sees things at a macro level and embraces solutions only in terms of spending big money, local government is about motivating people to participate in the developmental process and build productive relationships. What is missing at present is a more dynamic leadership at the local government level.
The Association of Local Government Authorities should not just sit by and be excluded from meetings referred to above.
Lennox Sankersingh
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