Visit to Pedro Cays postponed due to problem with JDF helicopter

A planned visit by a high level Ministry delegation to the Pedro Cays failed to get off the ground yesterday.

Agriculture Minister Roger Clarke says members of the touring party which included Local Government Minister Noel Arscott were to have been airlifted by Jamaica Defence Force personnel to the small island.

Mr. Clarke says the plan was shelved on the advice of the JDF as there was a problem with the helicopter.

The Agriculture Minister explained that a number of discussions on improving the conditions at the small island were raised ahead of yesterday's planned trip.

“ An interim arrangement was made both what we do now and how we operate on a sustainable basis…. the first thing is to have a census on  the number of people on  the cays and determine who has to stay and who has to leave based on the capacity ….”

Recently the Observer highlighted the poor public health conditions under which the Cays residents are living.

Mr. Clarke says an assessment is being done on how much it would cost to remove the garbage and that his Ministry stands ready to assist with the bill.

The Agriculture Minister is hoping to identify a new date for the visit to the Pedro Cays by next week.