News
Environmentaland Health Officers Offer Protection
(L-R) back-DerrickWilliams, Sydney Moore, Bentley Vaughn, Mark Robson
(L-R)- front-Gideon Simms, Christine Bell, Garfield Ellison
While residents will soon be treating themselvesto a variety of festivities a day at the spa, dining out and socializingat venues across our Islands with the Christmas season fast approaching,a team of seven Environmental Health Officers work constantlyto ensure these sites are properly maintained both duringthe holidays and throughout the entire year.
Three members of this team are responsiblefor food safety. They monitor and inspect imported food containers,commercial food facilities and locally- slaughtered meat. Theyalso respond to food recalls and investigate food-related illnesscomplaints. Another critical responsibility of this team is toprovide training on the safe handling of food to those involvedin the industry.
The role of the three District Health Officersis equally important. Their responsibilities include inspectingall districts for sanitation and health nuisance problems suchas sewage, wastewater, overgrown vegetation, insects, rodents,illegal dumping and occupational health and safety conditions.They inspect and monitor all public facilities, commercial accommodations,consumer services and businesses. The team also offers trainingcourses to beauty salons, barbers and those involved in body piercingor tattooing.
"Seldom does the public hear aboutour dedicated team of EHO's. Many people are not even aware thatthe team exists, let alone the significant responsibilities theyhave. In a way it's a sign of a job well done. However publicrecognition is well deserved, especially during this busy timeof year," comments the Director of the Department of EnvironmentalHealth (DEH), Ms Theresa Kuczynski.
The Building Development & Control Officeris the seventh member of this dedicated team. Before residentsinterested in opening a business can apply to the Planning Board,this officer inspects the prospective premises to ensure thatproper requirements for sanitation, ventilation, lighting andother aspects of health and safety are met.
Two staff members at the DEH office in CaymanBrac provide the same duties and protections for both Cayman Bracand Little Cayman.