MIAMI – City of Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones has joined forces with five U.S. cities to launch a voting campaign to support Port-au-Prince, Haiti in a competition that can bring the capital city one step closer to expanding a new waste management project that turns trash into energy. If Haiti gains the most votes, they will win a grant provided by BBC World News to extend the program.
The commissioner held a press conference on Monday, September 28, 2009 at the Little Haiti Culture Complex to encourage residents to vote for Port-au-Prince in the competition organized by BBC World News.
The British Broadcast Channel selected Port-au-Prince, Haiti as one of the twelve finalists in the competition because of its innovative recycling project that turns trash into energy. The recycling project, entitled Love ‘N Haiti focuses on producing recycled paper charcoal known as “briquettes”. The environmentally friendly project can benefit Haiti by: decreasing deforestation, creating a cleaner, safer and healthier environment and reducing the incidence of floods.
Under the leadership of Commissioner Spence-Jones, the City of Miami has already been working with the City of Port-au-Prince to establish a more efficient solid waste system. Last month, the city donated several trucks and dumpsters to the country.
“We support our sister city, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti for this competition,” said Commissioner Spence-Jones “They are definitely working towards creating a better environment and this grant can make it a reality.”
The World Challenge competition begins on September 28 and runs through November 13. People can vote for Port-au-Prince by logging onto www.theworldchallenge.co.uk .
Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones casts her vote in support of Port-au-Prince, Haiti to encourage others to participate in the competition organized by the BBC World News.
Photo: Jorge R. Perez/City of Miami
