THE residents of Belmonte/Supply/Mahaica have been begging for the past 12 years for the curbing of the dust pollution in the community caused by the rice mill in the area (Chelsea Park).

We have done everything possible to curb this criminal act – dust pollution!

It appears as though no one cares about the health and well being of the people who live in this community. We have written the the EPA, the NDC, the RDC, the political parties but the dust continues.

We are alluding to the Grow More campaign but what is the sense? The plants can no longer breathe – they are dying.

Children as well as adults are having constant cold. The houses have to be locked up. When the paddy shell is being burnt residents have to rush and bathe regardless what time in the night this happens. One baby (seven months old) was crying nonstop. The mother took the baby to the hospital only to find out it was the paddy shells that were “boring” the child because when she washed the diapers and hang them on the line paddy shells got stuck on them while they were drying.

Mahaica is a residential community. How was this rice mill allowed to be extended over the years and by whose permission?

Do the health of over 200 families and the willful destruction of properties mean anything to the authorities?

How could one man be allowed to do this? We need answers.
LORETTA SINGH