Video of locusts in Debe on Friday. Video-AZP News/Sue-Ann Wayow
By Chantalé Fletcher
AS residents of the Penal and Debe are cleaning up after recent floods, they now face another threat to their livelihoods – the Moruga Locusts (Coscineuta virens).
When AZPNews.com contacted Chairman of the Penal\Debe Regional Cooperation Dr Allen Sammy, he confirmed the reports of the infestation within the area.
Dr Sammy said, “The Locusts were spotted in the Bronte area into Lalbeharry Trace and even at the Ministry of Agriculture’s building at Ramjattan Trace. There has only been one report of the locusts which was sent to the Ministry of Agriculture in Ramjattan Trace in Penal. However, there were no losses reported but only its presence.”
Meanwhile, local government councillor Brian Julien described the infestation as devastating.
He also confirmed that the locusts were spotted in Bronte, in Monkey Town, lower Barrackpore and in central Barrackpore near the police station.
“People are bawling for their crops and fruit trees.”
Councillor Sheldon Lal reported the Locusts were in Bamboo village, La Romaine, where he resided, while Councillor Mohanie Ramnarine said they were spotted in the Esperance and Wellington areas.
In addition, Alderman Marsha Jaimungal Khan said, “I saw it in Duncan Village and behind CP Hardware, and it already started to eat down trees.”
On Tuesday, the Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat responded to Opposition MP for Princess Town Barry Padarath’s claim of the Ministry of Agriculture’s lack of intervention showed discrimination for the Opposition constituency.
Rambharat told AZPNews.com, “Nowhere in the world has there been a solution to swarming locusts.”
Local government councillor for Inverness/Princes Town South Deryck Mathura continued to seek solutions not only for affected constituents but for all those affected by these locusts.
He said, “Over the weekend, another check would be performed to determine if the locusts were still in the area or if they have completely moved on.”
