Health Minister Emil Lee, Global Medic representatives Jennifer Cripton and Rob McNamara and Community Development, Family and Humanitarian Affairs head Aida Holaman.
PHILIPSBURG--Global Medic in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour VSA recently distributed approximately 150 rain-/fresh-water filter systems throughout various communities.
The water filtration system is practical and easily assembled within five minutes without any tools, has the ability to filter any type of water except salt water and as such eliminates harmful bacteria and removes sediments. It produces five gallons of clean drinking water within six hours, is easy to clean, reusable and easily stored away.
Another positive spinoff is that the water filtration system is economical, in particular in large households and for persons with a moderate income who cannot afford to continuously purchase bottled water. The distribution of the water filters has generated very favourable results in communities in St. Maarten where it is much needed, it was stated in a press release on Monday.
“Providing access to potable drinking water is vital for the health of those in our community. Therefore, we are grateful for the donation from Global Medic, as it has created that access while GEBE and the Ministry of VSA work tirelessly to restore potable water to all districts,” Health Minister Emil Lee said.
Lee also thanked the Department of Community Development, Family and Humanitarian Affairs (CDFHA), which was instrumental in the coordination and distribution of the water filters throughout identified communities with disrupted water supplies since the passing of the hurricanes.
The filters were distributed in the South Reward, Philipsburg, Middle Region and Hope Estate/Guana Bay areas.
Lee also thanked Global Medic, an international aid agency that sends Canadian volunteers around the world to aid in the aftermath of disasters and crises with critical short-term interventions such as medical, water, search and rescue and shelter.
