Fish kill in the Great salt pond accentuates the need for a functional department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries.
Over the last 3 years the scenario of dead fish at the flood gate on the E.T.Illidge rd. has been increasing. We are witnessing this scenario over shorter periods, and the quantity of dead fish is increasing. There are numerous theories out about the cause of this. These range from suggestion that the pond is contaminated, there is not enough oxygen, or the sewage is causing this. To date there is no research initiated to prove any of these suggestions.
One thing is proven for shore an d that is the ability of this lagoon to sustain a commercial fish, because 99 % of the dead fish is Tilapia and we import well over a hundred thousand dollars of this same fish per year.
The people need to know under which ministry this responsibility falls. What study, evaluation or program is going to be set in place to determine if this might be of economic importance and viable to explore.
It is time we start to recognize the economic value our natural resources especially as it relates to tourism.
We have so many issues as relates to the health of our Flora and Fauna. Our Palm trees are dying due to infestation of Lethal Yellowing disease, we are infested with the Giant African Snails, Pink Hibiscus Mealy Bug has desiccated most if not all our hibiscuses, and now we have the Iguana’s, monkeys and raccoons to deal with.
Back in the early years up to 1952 there was a functional Department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries. This department was headed by a Dutch national, assisted by a local.
With the rise of tourism this department was steadily abundant and effectively erased.
If we are going to stay competitive in the field of tourism today we have to make a change in the way we use our limited natural resources. We need to open craft centers where we link the production of craft to tourism. We need to invest and develop the term agro-tourism, where we use our valley’s and hill to grow fruits, nuts and vegetables, and show case these too our tourist. We are sure that a couple of new eco tours will add a lot to our tourism product.
This is why we need a department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, with the right vision and support to protect, safe guard, and develop program that will further enhance chances of taking economical advantages of these latent opportunities that out natural resources still represents.
For more information on this issue, please contact Mr Joslyn Richardson Agriculturalist / President ERMAF Foundation 721 580-5157
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