The Tribune

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE Ministry of Works and the Bahamas Striping Group of Companies have partnered with 20 Eleuthera contractors to begin an island-wide clean-up campaign.

The campaign, expected to launch today, will continue until December 8. It will focus on removing bulk waste from all settlements in Eleuthera.

Sais Cooper, 33, owner of Sais Cooper Odd Jobs, said the opportunity is a stepping stone for his business. He hopes other people in his age group are awarded contracts shortly.

“I was hoping to see more young people of my age category, but I am still grateful for them giving me the opportunity to be part of this great initiative,” he said. “Hopefully, for the next initiative, we will have some more local young persons contracted to do work on this beautiful island of Eleuthera.”

Dominic Stirrup, executive chairman of Bahamas Stripping, said cleaning the island is important, but the end goal is providing opportunities for the “small man”.

“We are going to work with the local companies to ensure that they get a piece of the pie, not get some of the crumbs or the job on the floor,” he said.

Minister of Works and South and Central Eleuthera MP Clay Sweeting applauded the efforts of Bahamas Stripping.

“This cleaning contract cleaning campaign, which will last into just before Christmas, helps to show the importance of including local entrepreneurs so that they are able to not only keep money on the ground but help to show their community just how they want to invest,” he said.