Chan Pine Ridge Villager Concern of B.S.I.’s Air Pollution

Residents of Chan Pine Ridge Village in Orange Walk say they have been greatly affected by air pollution emitted by the neighboring B.S.I. sugar factory. Villagers formed the Chan Pine Ridge Environmental Committee which is headed by Teresita Torres. According to Torres, the ashes emitted by factory contain chemicals which are affecting their health. Torres says that the Committee met in an effort to address the situation. Officials from B.S.I./A.S.R. were present including representatives from the Department of Environment. The meeting occurred on May eighteen and Torres says that the problem has yet to be addressed. 

Teresita Torres

Teresita Torres, President, Chan Pine Ridge Environmental Committee

“This air pollution is very worrisome for the residents of Chan Pine Ridge especially for families with children. We have animals as well that breathe this air. This air that we are breathing is not healthy. When these ashes fall on roofing materials and with the morning’s dew, after a period of time that tends to rotten. Why? Because these particles are in the air carrier with its chemicals. I know this for sure because it was a question that I placed to the engineer, Mr. Tun. He verified that these particles do contain chemicals and that is worrisome because we are breathing it. It is coming through our lungs. Can you imagine that?”

A statement from B.S.I. says that during the meeting, the company’s shared its air-emission mitigation efforts, investments over the past five years, and its Environmental Compliance Plan. B.S.I. says that it listened and addressed concerns raised by the residents and describes the meeting as positive. The statement concludes by saying that the meeting signaled the beginning of an on-going dialogue with the community.