Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda (center) in discussions with Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry’s Fisheries Division, Lieutenant Commander Paul Wright and a fisherman on the Pedro Cays. Minister Samuda visited Middle Cay on the Pedro Banks on Wednesday, October 18 to discuss waste management solutions for the cay.
Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda has made a committment to take the necessary steps to improve conditions for fishermen on the Pedro Cays.
Minister Samuda, who was speaking on Wednesday, October 18, while on a tour of Middle Cay on the Pedro Bank, said a multi- ministry approach will be taken to urgently solve the solid and human waste issues facing persons on the cays.
The Minister was accompanied on the tour by officials from the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), the Fisheries Management and Development Fund and the Ministry’s Fisheries Division to discuss the matter.
The ministry spends approximately $10m per annum to remove solid waste from the cays and has allocated in excess of $20m for human waste solutions, however fishermen have expressed concerns about the frequency with which the waste is removed.
“I was able to see the situation for myself. There is an urgent need for additional waste management and adequate supply of potable water,” said Minister Samuda.
The Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister said a meeting is to be convened to finalise plans for possible solutions including a desalination plant for fresh water and appropriate solutions for human waste.
Minister Samuda also committed to working closely with fishermen and keeping them informed of the developments.
“The Pedro Cays are a part of our natural heritage. It is a beautiful part of our country and it must be treated with a great sense of urgency to make it what it can be,” said Minister Samuda.
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Contact: Karlene Brown Tel: 968-8669
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