The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition has intensified efforts to safeguard public health through targeted capacity-building, as Environmental Health Officers across the island recently completed a specialised training workshop focused on water quality monitoring, risk assessment, and response.
The initiative forms part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to strengthen national environmental health systems and ensure that both public and private water supplies consistently meet established safety standards.
Assistant Chief Environmental Health Officer Emerson Vitalis explained that the training was designed to deepen officers’ understanding of water quality and its direct relationship to public health outcomes. “We want officers to first understand what water quality is, what it means, how it impacts the population of Saint Lucia, and how they can apply that knowledge in their day-to-day duties to ensure that the water being provided to the public is of good quality,” Vitalis stated.
According to Vitalis, the workshop covered several critical areas, including water treatment processes, inspection protocols, and risk assessments of various water supply systems across the island. Officers were also trained in the assessment and monitoring of public swimming pools to ensure safe operation and prevent potential health hazards. “We examined water treatment methods, the inspection and assessment processes for the different water supplies we visit, and the public health considerations surrounding swimming pools — ensuring that their operation does not negatively impact the population,” he added.
The training further underscored the interconnected nature of environmental health, particularly the relationship between water management and vector control.
Assistant Chief Environmental Health Officer Jada Perineau noted that while her unit focuses primarily on vector control, the knowledge gained from the workshop strengthens overall field operations. “I work in the vector control unit, so although we don’t conduct water quality testing, we deal with water regularly. Everything we do involves water sources for mosquitoes and rodents,” Perineau explained.
She highlighted that the expanded knowledge base now enables officers to provide more comprehensive guidance during field visits. “It’s important for us to have this information so that we can give broader recommendations. Instead of simply referring matters to the water unit, we are now better equipped to make informed recommendations on the spot,” she said.
The Ministry says the specialised training represents a proactive step toward enhancing environmental health oversight nationwide. By equipping officers with advanced technical knowledge and practical tools, the initiative aims to improve risk identification, strengthen response mechanisms, and maintain safe water standards across Saint Lucia’s communities.
