As part of activities to commemorate Quarantine Week on the island, the Veterinary Department of the Ministry of Agriculture held an exhibition in Vieux Fort to enlighten residents on the types of commodities which are allowed to enter and leave the country.
The event was held on Thursday on the compound of Massy Stores in Vieux Fort. It was one of several activities held in Vieux Fort to celebrate Quarantine Week in the community.
The theme of this year’s event was: “Safeguard Saint Lucia’s Agriculture.”
The attendees were given literature on the role of the Veterinary Department, the commodities that are allowed to enter and leave the country, and how they should be packed.
In an interview with Dr. Edmond Kitanda, Veterinary and Livestock Officer attached to the Beausejour Agricultural Complex in Vieux Fort, he noted that the information would be of much benefit to members of the public because many people are unaware of what is allowed to enter and leave the country. He added that on numerous occasions persons have experienced disappointments when they arrive at customs after trips overseas, only to be told that the commodities they’d brought into the country were prohibited.
“It is a serious problem,” he said. “We have to avoid diseases from entering the country. Many diseases have entered the country through plants, animals, fruits, seeds,” Dr.Kitanda said.
He added that there are certain conditions which persons need to adhere to before being allowed to bring in certain commodities, or having those same items leave the country, which many people are not aware of.
The Veterinary Department held a similar exercise at a primary school in Vieux Fort and at the Hewanorra International Airport.