Public Works Minister Craig Cannonier has called reports of illegal dumping at TN Tatem Middle School “disturbing”, warning the public of the potential consequences of such behaviour.

In a statement issued this afternoon in response to a report in today’s edition of The Royal Gazette, Mr Cannonier said: “This latest report of dumping at TN Tatem Middle school is disturbing.

“The health and safety of our students and teachers is of paramount concern to us. We have an island-wide problem of people illegally dumping their trash and this is not in keeping with the tradition of Bermudians who take pride in their keeping their communities clean. I am appealing for people to stop. The ministry can and will fine residents who are illegally dumping trash.

“Dumping or fly-tipping of waste is a major threat to human health and a significant cost to the taxpayers in Bermuda. Disposing of waste correctly costs little and is easy to do.

“Illegal dumping attracts and provides breeding grounds for rats, feral chickens and mosquitoes. Rats and mosquitoes are disease vectors; ie, they carry diseases that are harmful to humans and transmittable as well.

“I would remind the general public that illegal dumping includes, but is not limited to, materials like household appliances, mattresses, bags of household waste and hazardous waste, which is dumped along the railway trail, in vacant lots and at the end of quiet lanes.”

“The Waste and Litter Control Act Amendment of 2012 increased the penalty for illegal dumping of waste up to $10,000 for a first offence and up to $25,000 for subsequent offences. Additionally, the amended Act makes it easier to convict dumpers due to changes in the way evidence is examined. This means, those found guilty of an offence under the Act can now be convicted if items addressed to them or otherwise linked to them are found dumped.”

Information about proper waste disposal can be found in the Blue Pages of the phone book, along with the waste management department website and Facebook page.