V. I. P Toilet

When most people hear the acronym V.I.P the image of aristocrats and high society people immediately comes to mind. Imaging going to the Grammy and sitting in the V.I.P that would be a dream come true for most of us.  Well this is Jamaica and most of us do not have the privilege to go and sit…   

I guarantee that for the average person they would not associate this acronym with an activity such as sitting. Yes VIPs do go to games and sit in a specially reserved section.   Similarly one will have the opportunity to go and sit on a specially designed seat. The only difference is that sitting on this seat is done in quiet solitude, perfect privacy and sometimes when there is no noise and distractions around.

I know you are certainly wondering what I could be referring to. I speak of the Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) that is used for the disposal of human waste.  Will this is Jamaica and some of us do not have the privilege to go to the fancy V.I.P games, party, have the VIP car, house or the TOILETJ.    Don’t be surprised if I should say that not all Jamaicans are privilege with a toilet, don’t be shocked, after all this is a developing country. Normally when people don’t have toilets they would go to the bushes, dig a hole or do their thing in a bag and throw it away.  Now we can see where this can cause major great health risks.

As such, Projects Abroad Jamaica has joined partnership with ADRA (Adventist Development Relief Agency). Volunteers work with them to build the Ventilated Improve Pit (VIP) toilets for the less fortunate Jamaicans who do not have indoor plumbing.

 THE water and sanitation project, aimed at alleviating the chal­lenges faced by several communities, is presently underway in South Manchester. The project is expected to benefit approximately 300 resi­dents and is organized and funded by the Adventist Develop­ment and Relief Agency (ARDA-Jamaica) in collaboration with ADRA International.

The main purpose of this project is to improve the quality of life for the residents of South Manchester through improved water quality and supply and better sanitation facilities. It will also provide training to the residents in building construction and sanitation.

Some of the communities to benefit from the project include: Marley Hill, Thatch Walk and Port Mahoe.

I hope that this does not change our mind from sitting in the VIP section.