A significant environmental emergency is unfolding in Antigua’s Five Islands region, where prominent businessman and environmental advocate Eli Fuller has reported the deliberate dumping of thousands of gallons of waste oil into ecologically sensitive mangrove ecosystems. The alleged contamination occurred following recent heavy rainfall events, with oil slicks reportedly spreading throughout Five Islands Harbor.
Fuller, who documented the incident firsthand, described this as among the most severe ecological disasters he has witnessed in the region. The contamination poses substantial threats to marine biodiversity, coastal protection, and local economic activities that depend on healthy marine ecosystems.
The mangrove forests in question serve as vital nursery grounds for numerous marine species and provide natural erosion control for Antigua’s coastline. Fuller particularly emphasized the impact on traditional cockle fishing communities, having consulted with local fishermen whose livelihoods face immediate jeopardy from the pollution.
Notably, Fuller raised serious questions about how such large-scale dumping could occur given existing security protocols at the island’s landfill facility. According to standard procedures, security personnel are stationed at the site and trucks undergo inspection before being directed to approved disposal areas.
The environmental advocate has characterized the incident as an ‘environmental crime’ demanding thorough investigation and legal accountability. He has called for judicial proceedings that would hold responsible parties financially liable for restoration efforts, while simultaneously offering to collaborate with government authorities to develop comprehensive solutions.
As of current reporting, government agencies and environmental authorities have not issued any public statements regarding these allegations. The situation continues to develop as environmental assessments are likely underway to determine the full extent of the contamination and its ecological consequences.