Agriculture Ministry Addressing Waste Management at Pedro Cays

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries is putting measures in place to ensure the environmental sustainability of the Pedro Cays.

The plan involves more regular clean-up and waste collection and the installation of 20 toilets to provide proper sanitary facilities for the residents.

“We have started the process and we have (recently) disposed of over 200 bags of garbage and this will be done on a regular basis so that we can keep the community clean,” said portfolio Minister, Hon. Karl Samuda.

The Minister was addressing representatives from 20 fishing communities across the island at the International Fisherman’s Day Conference on June 29 at the Girl Guides Association’s headquarters in St. Andrew.

Director of Fisheries in the Ministry, Andre Kong, told JIS News that the proper management of waste on the cays will ensure that the living standards of the residents are in keeping with environmental requirements.

“Right now we are focusing on solid waste management and human waste management. There is a contract with Ministry of Local Government and Community Development through the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) to remove solid waste from the area monthly,” he said.

He noted that the fish sanctuary on the Pedro Cays is being managed by the Caribbean Coastal Area Management (CCAM) Foundation, and arrangements are being made for the entity to also provide oversight to monitor and maintain the garbage storage areas.

The Pedro Cays are a collection of mostly uninhabited islands and islets frequented by fisherfolk, who make their livelihood from fishing and related activities.

The cays also support a variety of marine habitats, including sand, coral reefs, deep reefs, and seagrass beds.

The Pedro Cays are also considered to be an important nesting site for seabirds, and several marine turtle species like the Hawksbill and Loggerhead turtles.

The annual Fisherman’s Day Conference served to recognise the contribution of fisherfolk, strengthen linkages among fishing communities, vendors and processors, government and non-government agencies and other stakeholders, as well as promote opportunities within the sector.