标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has responded to a viral social media video showcasing a surge of tadpoles in a water body following Hurricane Melissa. The agency emphasized that this phenomenon is a natural occurrence and not a cause for alarm. NEPA clarified that the excess standing water left by the hurricane creates ideal conditions for cane toads to lay eggs, even in areas that may seem unusual to the public. The agency explained that the tadpoles observed in the video likely resulted from a recent spawning event, with a single female cane toad capable of producing thousands of eggs in one brood. This reproductive strategy, involving large clutches of eggs, is a survival mechanism to counteract the high mortality rates among tadpoles and juveniles. NEPA assured the public that only a small fraction of these tadpoles will survive to adulthood. While there are no immediate negative impacts, NEPA encouraged communities to remove standing water and fill stagnant areas to reduce breeding opportunities for cane toads and control mosquito populations. The agency also warned against using chemicals or bleach to kill tadpoles, as this could harm the environment and native species.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on Jamaica’s poultry industry, egg farmers are intensifying their appeal for the removal of the General Consumption Tax (GCT) on eggs. The Jamaica Egg Farmers Association (JEFA) argues that this measure, combined with the proposed importation of table eggs, would alleviate the financial strain on consumers during the upcoming Christmas season. Cheryl McLeod, Senior Director at JEFA, emphasized the need for government support to ensure affordable egg prices and stabilize supply. The Category Five hurricane, with winds reaching 185 mph, caused extensive damage to coops and decimated chicken flocks, exacerbating production losses still lingering from Hurricane Beryl in 2022. McLeod highlighted the prolonged recovery period, noting that restoring egg production could take up to six months due to the trauma inflicted on surviving birds. Farmers like Ronald Ranger of RanGeorge Farm Enterprise shared harrowing accounts of structural damage and flock losses, with production dropping by a third post-storm. While JEFA plans to coordinate egg imports through partnerships with Jamaica Broilers and Caribbean Broilers, McLeod stressed the importance of integrating local farmers into the distribution process. The association aims to have the first batch of imported eggs arrive by December 1, but farmers are urging the government to expedite rebuilding efforts to restore production within three to four months.

Montego Bay, St James, is facing a dual environmental crisis following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. While the hurricane left behind significant flooding and debris, the city is now contending with a severe dust problem as the deposited silt dries up. Mayor Richard Vernon addressed the issue during a press conference on Thursday, highlighting the health risks posed by the pervasive dust clouds. He urged residents to wear masks and outlined measures to mitigate the issue, including wetting the ground and extensive washing of affected areas. The cleanup effort has already removed 1,636 truckloads of debris from hard-hit communities like Catherine Hall and Westgreen. Vernon emphasized the use of bleach and sanitizers to minimize health risks and expressed gratitude to stakeholders, including China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), for their assistance in the recovery process. Despite speculation about CHEC’s role in the flooding, Vernon called for a proper assessment by the National Works Agency (NWA) and acknowledged CHEC’s contributions to the cleanup. The scale of the task is immense, with over 3,500 residents and 1,300 households affected. The mayor remains committed to restoring the city to a state of sanitation and safety.