The Environmental Health Department conducted an introductory training session focused on water sampling, onsite water testing, and vector control for inmates and members of the maintenance management team of His Majesty’s Prison. The sessions were led by Deputy Chief Environmental Health Officer – Crivanne Adams and Vector Control Officer – Narada Williams.
This collaborative initiative aimed to strengthen participants’ understanding of essential public health practices that contribute to a safer and healthier environment within correctional facilities.
The vector control component of the training provided participants with the knowledge and skills to:
Identify common pests and vectors and understand their associated health risks.
Recognize early signs of infestation.
Apply safe, effective, and sustainable control measures.
Learn the basics of mosquito and rodent surveillance.
Properly use chemical control agents in a safe and responsible manner.
The water sampling and onsite testing segment covered hands-on training in essential water quality monitoring techniques, including how to:
Conduct basic field tests for water clarity, colour, and odour.
Measure free and total chlorine levels using colorimetric devices.
Test pH levels for potable water.
Safely handle and store chlorine used in water treatment.
Properly collect water samples for microbial testing such as E. coli and total coliforms.
Beyond improving facility operations, the training also provided inmates with transferable skills that can support future employment and personal development upon release. By introducing participants to environmental health practices, the program aims to inspire new interests and open pathways to careers in fields such as environmental services, maintenance and public health.
Superintendent Woodbine commented on the training:
“This training is a valuable step in improving our prison. This training will equip and enable us to continue to make important improvements to the living and working environment.
Improving the prison through a programme of Planned and Preventative Maintenance (PPM), which will now include this critical training, is another demonstration of the progress the prison is making.
Skilling prisoners and staff with valuable hands on training and vocational learning is at the center of what our prison is committed to do, rehabilitating prisoners, reducing reoffending, improving and promoting health and protecting our communities.
I am proud of the staff and prisoners who have completed this training. I would like to thank the Ministry of Health and Human Services, in particular the Department of Environmental Health, for their enthusiastic collaboration and ongoing support. We both agree this training represents the first steps in expanding training and learning which will benefit the prison and wider island communities”.
The Environmental Health Department remains committed to providing ongoing education and training opportunities that promote environmental stewardship, public health awareness, and sustainable facility management practices.
