The ULP regime proposes to build an incinerator in Bequia. In the Central Water and Sewerage Authority (CWSA) report September 2005, entitled ‘Grenadines Solid Waste Management Project ­ Bequia Environmental and Social Impact Assessment’, the ULP regime proposes to turn SVG into a toxic nation. This will be a disaster for the whole of SVG. It will badly affect air and water quality and will have an adverse affect upon seafood and tourism.

Incinerators emit a range of polluting substances which damage human health. For some of these pollutants there is no “safe” exposure limit, i.e. there is no limit below which adverse health effects will not occur. These pollutants, such as dioxins and particulates, can damage health even in minuscule quantities.

	dioxin damage

Dioxins have been described as “the most toxic chemical known to man”. Dioxins present a cancer hazard to humans. Cancer however, is not the worst illness to be caused by dioxin; immune system and reproductive effects damage the body. Endometriosis is a disease which causes cells from the lining of the uterus to grow in inappropriate places outside of the uterus. These cells respond to the monthly menstrual cycle and bleed, causing severe pain.

Studies of the development of foetuses and young children have shown that these pollutants have their maximal impact during development. Many of these chemicals are persistent and build up in our bodies over time. Mothers pass these chemicals to their babies, both in the womb and in breast milk.

	foetal damage caused by dioxins

They disrupt the action of the hormone systems, affecting babies' development. These effects range from an increased likelihood of respiratory problems or allergies, to reduced IQ, less efficient kidneys, reproductive problems or a higher probability of contracting cancer. Effects on the intelligence, immune status and hormonal status of infants have been related to the amount of dioxin-like substance in the mother's body. Many effects, including altered brain function and lung function, can persist past the age of seven. Male reproductive health is under threat, and dioxin-like substances have been related to a reduction in the proportion of male to female births.

It is impossible to calculate the cost to society of: a reduction in IQ levels; the reduction in quality of life due to foetal kidney growth impairment; immune system or reproductive system developing less than optimally, causing reduced potential, occasional illness throughout life or a higher risk of cancer.

The ash produced by incinerators contains highly toxic substances. For each 3 tons of waste burnt there is one ton of highly toxic ash to dispose of. When disposed of to landfill, pollutants in ash can leach out and contaminate soil, groundwater and seawater.

SVG Green Party proposes that all citizens campaign against this serious health threat. It will be a waste of taxpayers’ money and will badly affect people’s health. SVG needs a new government, one that does not intend to threaten the health of the nation. The ULP regime has already lied to the nation about the 2007 Budget Address, they can’t be trusted with your family’s health!

This is very dangerous for SVG citizens, especially as not all of us can afford to fly to Cuba for proper, world-class medical treatment.

SVG Green Party