Agriculture Minister Lisa Jawahir says there will be no further deadline as the government seeks to alleviate the problem of roving cattle along the island’s roadways creating what has been described as a major security hazard for local motorists.
“The deadline was yesterday (Sunday), and so action will be taken this week. There will be no further deadline”.
The Sunday November 8th deadline came after a number of interventions by the government to help with curbing the problem which exist around the island but particularly pronounced in the area of the Choc Roundabout in Castries.
Minister Jawahir suggested that Sunday’s deadline marked the commencement of a week when the law would be enforced without delay, clarifying that the issue was not limited to cattle.
“So as of this week, we will be embarking on taking the necessary action that we have available to us through your law, and that is to impound the cattle. And we’re not just talking about cattle, we’re talking about horses, we’re talking about donkeys that are going out on people’s farms and yes, we can have an issue with donkeys in some parts of St. Lucia.”
The Minister says livestock owners have been urged, in particular, to ensure that their animals are secured, a conversation that has been going on for months. Jawahir insists that the talking now has to stop and problem must be dealt with straightaway.
The agriculture minister reiterated that this was not a war against farmers but rather a fight to promote safety on the island’s roads. The plan, the minister says, is simple.
“If your animals are not secure, they will be removed and you must be able to show that you are in a position to take care of the animals and show where you can take care of these animals before these animals are released back to you. The last thing you want is for something to pay the fine for the cows, for example, and then they go and tie them right back on the Choc Roundabout. So, if you’re not in a position to show the government where you can store your animals or how you can take care of them, you will not get them back.”
She revealed that the animals will be housed at a government established and outfitted facility known to the owners with the hope that owners can reclaim their animals after having met the requirements.
If animals are not claimed or the farmers are not able to care for their animals, the government will then move to auction off the items.