Personal Responsibility A Must In Protecting Barbados’ Environment

All Barbadians must play their part in safeguarding Barbados’ natural resources and protecting its environment.

This view was reinforced by Director of the Environmental Protection Department (EPD), Anthony Headley, as the department marked its 55th anniversary with an Open Day, at the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary.

The EPD welcomed students from the Barbados Community College, St. Lawrence Primary, St. Leonard’s Boys’ School, and Graydon Sealy Secondary, along with members of the public, for an up-close look at the work being done to protect Barbados’ environment.

Mr. Headley reminded attendees that protecting Barbados’ environment required action from everyone. He stressed that everyday habits, from reducing littering to properly disposing waste, can have lasting impacts on our water, marine life, and overall well-being.

“Barbados is a beautiful place, but if we continue certain practices, we can spoil it for ourselves and for future generations,” the Director cautioned, as he encouraged all Barbadians to play their part in protecting the environment.

Patrons at the Open Day explored interactive displays on air pollution, marine protection and waste management, as well as received demonstrations of the department’s equipment used across its various programmes. 

The water quality team showcased tools such as YSI meters and chlorine testing devices, which are used weekly to monitor the public water supply and ensure it meets World Health Organization standards.

The EPD also featured its air quality monitoring programme, which is supported by five stations located across Barbados, and gives the public access to real-time data. This, Mr. Headley explained, was especially useful for persons with respiratory conditions.

He continued: “So if it (dust levels) goes above a particular level, you can then say that today, I’m going to wear my mask to protect myself, because the dust levels are above 25 ppm (parts per million), and that’s going to trigger my asthma…. For those persons who have some type of respiratory issue, we believe that this is going to be an effective tool in helping them to make the appropriate decisions.” 

The department’s displays also focused on its derelict buildings and vehicles programme, as well as the equipment used in the oil spill response following the island’s largest recorded spill in 2025. 

Members of its building development team also outlined common errors in residential plans and demonstrated what was required to meet environmental and health regulations. (PR/GIS)