The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

IT was disappointing to see the goodwill of a private corporation met with criticism, according to Francisco de Cardenas, general manager of Bahamas Waste.

His comments were made after an article published in The Tribune on Tuesday explained how residents of Pinewood constituency were complaining about stacks of garbage around a dumpster that was put in the park by Bahamas Waste to help flood victims get rid of their damaged goods.

Speaking to The Tribune yesterday, Mr Cardenas said that not being thanked – but criticised instead – for his company’s good work was disappointing.

“It was disappointing,” he said. “The value of the work we did to assist flood victims is about $5000, but to see the comments persons said in the paper was very disappointing and not the kind of thanks we were looking for.”

“No one really recognises the scope of what we do,” he added. “We work 16 hours a day on our maintenance so we could do the work that we promise.”

Bahamas Waste donated “18 halls of open top containers” to the Pinewood constituency after being asked to assist by Pinewood MP Khalis Rolle.

“We were asked to do this by the Minister,” said Mr Cardenas. “But we did it as a responsible corporate company out of the goodness of our heart. We also donated 11 halls of open top containers to Sea Breeze and St Annes.”

“We knew that the flooding was extensive and a lot of people had bad issues to take care of. Even if the Minister had not called and we knew there were concerned citizens seeking assistance we probably would’ve donated the bins anyway.”

Mr Cardenas said residents hardly thanked the company for its free service. “Khalis thanked me, but I wasn’t aware of residents thanking us for the services, other than some people in Sea Breeze,” he said before adding: “I don’t want to take anything away from Khalis Rolle or Kenred Dorsett and the work they are doing, but I just think a little credit should be given where credit is due.”

Mr Cardenas also criticised persons for putting their garbage outside the bins instead of taking it to the city dump.

“I just don’t understand why people don’t take their garbage to the city dump,” he said. “The bins we placed in Pinewood were specifically for flood victims. If people see there is a bin that is full, why do they throw their garbage on the ground?”

“I really feel for the department of Health Services. They do a tremendous job considering what they are up against.”

Despite the perceived slight, Mr Cardenas said his company will continue to help Bahamian citizens. “A little thanks would be nice but we’re not shallow,” he said. “We are not going to stop doing these kinds of charitable activities because we are a responsible corporation that takes pride in serving the Bahamian people.”