The opposition has indicated that it has taken note of the recent update given by Senator Matthew Samuda, minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, on the fish kill in the Rio Cobre in July of this year.

In a press release, the People’s National Party (PNP) said it was disappointed in the distribution of funds to the fisher folks.

“While we commend the minister for the detailed approach and the acceptance of the urgent need for multistakeholder consultation to resolving these significant issues, the Opposition is disappointed with the allocation of funds to the fisher folks,” stated the release from the PNP.

In the release, Opposition Spokesperson on Land Environment and Climate Change, Senator Sophia Frazer-Binns noted that of all the categories of beneficiaries of the fund, the fisher folks are the ones who need the greatest assistance but suffered the largest percentage reduction in the sum recommended and sum received.

Noting that the National Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA)/National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and National Irrigation Commission (NIC) received the full amount requested, Senator Frazer-Binns lamented that the plight of the fisher folks and the loss to their livelihood is such that priority should be given to this category.

“Accordingly, in light of the inadequacy of the available funds, the Government of Jamaica, including its agencies, should shoulder the shortfall and utilise the funds to adequately address the social impact of the pollution,” said Frazer-Binns.

The Opposition said it supported the intent of the minister to make provisions for additional social support for the residents and called for the prime minister as the responsible minister not to delay in this endeavour. 

Prime Minister Andrew Holness had announced October 31 as the deadline for the completion of the Effluent Pond. Since this announcement, there has yet to be confirmation of whether the pond has been completed.

“We therefore seek confirmation as to whether the Pond has been completed and request that the Government provides an immediate update of all closure plans for all industrial operations nationally,” Frazer-Binns said.

Frazer-Binns is insisting that, in carrying out its monitoring and regulatory functions, NEPA should update the country periodically on the progress of the closure plans and any new bonds by companies.

The Opposition said it was heartened by the expressed intention of the minister to provide legal protection to the Rio Cobre Basin, review the environmental performance bonds to make them more adequate, undertaking detailed social impact studies as well as review the existing critical environmental legislation including the NRCA and Wildlife Protection Acts. 

“We remain ready to share our views and play our part in the resolution of this matter and all matters impacting on national development,” the senator noted.