TURKS & CAICOS REEF FUND VOLUNTEERS DISTRIBUTE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY MOSQUITO CONTROL DISKS
9 March 2016, Providenciales, TCI – The Turks & Caicos Reef Fund (TCRF), the only environmental advocacy non-governmental organization in the TCI, with the help of over a dozen volunteers distributed environmentally friendly mosquito control disks to residents throughout the Turks & Caicos Islands. The disks, called “Mosquito Dunks” are used to kill mosquito larvae in standing water without causing harm to the environment. Mosquito control in the TCI is an important task to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses, such as zika, dengue and chikungunya.
“We first want to thank all the volunteers who helped with this effort,” said Don Stark, Chairman of the TCRF. “When we learned that one of the recommended methods for killing mosquitos in standing water was to add a little kerosene or gasoline, we were appalled. Because we live on a limestone island, everything you pour on the ground eventually makes it way into the ocean and we don’t need to be pouring petroleum products into the ocean as they will do great harm to the protective coral reefs.”
The TCRF purchased 5,000 Mosquito Dunks from Summit Chemical in Maryland, USA and with the support of the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs, imported them into the TCI. Cases of the disks were provided to volunteers on Grand Turk, Salt Cay, South Caicos, North Caicos, Middle Caicos and Provo.
“I especially want to thank the District Commissioners on the other islands for their assistance in getting the Mosquito Dunks to residents on their islands,” added Mr. Stark who lives on Provo. “It was very helpful and greatly appreciated to ensure all residents of the TCI had the opportunity to receive free environmentally friendly mosquito control disks.”
About TCRF
Founded in 2010, the Turks & Caicos Reef Fund is an all volunteer-run organization that provides funding for education, research and conservation programs to individuals, organizations and agencies that help to preserve and protect the environment of the Turks & Caicos Islands. Our goal is to have at least 85% of all funds raised through voluntary contributions from divers and snorkelers visiting the Turks & Caicos Islands directed to the Fund’s programs.
Anyone wishing to donate or assist the TCRF in any way can contact them through their website, www.TCReef.org. Scuba divers visiting the islands are encouraged to make a $10 donation through the purchase of a dive tag that can be attached to their dive gear to show their support. Snorkelers visiting the islands can show their support through the $5 purchase of a pink or blue silicone wristband. A complete list of outlets for TCRF merchandise can be found on the organization’s website.