safety steps

𝗝𝗢𝗜𝗡 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧𝗦𝗔𝗣𝗣 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗟! 𝗖𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗞: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaN7nmQGOj9na4QhBa12

CABINET NOTES: The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda received a presentation from the General Manager and Waste Management Manager of the National Solid Waste Management Authority regarding a recent environmental incident at Hansons Bay near the Cooks Landfill

On Thursday, 12th February 2026,  the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard received a report from the Pilot Station at the Antigua Port Authority in St. John’s of an oil sheen in the waters at Hansons Bay, extending toward Pelican Point.

The NSWMA was immediately alerted, and surveillance of the area was conducted in collaboration with the National Office of Disaster Services and the Central Board of Health.

Investigations revealed that recent rainfall of 2 inches, combined with full-capacity sewage ponds and a king tide event, resulted in landfill leachate overflowing into the mangrove.

As the tide receded, leachate flowed into Five Islands Harbour, causing environmental concern.  (Daily waste received at Cooks Landfill includes 6 tonnes of solid waste, 30,000 gallons of sewage, and 1,500 tires)

To continue addressing the issue, the General Manager of NSWMA recommended further investigation, including expanded water and sediment sampling to map the spread of contamination, inspection of the leachate collection and treatment system to identify potential failure points, and the deployment of real-time sensors for continuous monitoring to support long-term ecological assessments.

To strengthen the Authority’s ongoing efforts, Cabinet approved the acquisition and deployment of additional equipment, including two bulldozers, an additional excavator, a motor grader, a vibratory compactor (roller), and a landfill compactor. Cabinet also pledged support to complete road construction with assistance from the Ministry of Public Works.

Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to environmental protection and sustainable waste management and urged all relevant agencies to maintain close collaboration to prevent future incidents and safeguard Antigua and Barbuda’s coastal and marine environments.