Meat Importers Warned to obtain Permits amid steps to keep FMD out of the BVI
Government is stressing the need for meat importers to obtain permits,
amid ongoing efforts to keep the BVI free of Foot and Mouth
Disease. That condition was highlighted during the second meeting of the
Foot and Mouth Disease Task Force at the Central Administration
Building, on Tuesday May 15.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labor Mrs.
Sheila Brathwaite said it is important for meat importers to
be aware of their duty to fulfill the requirement, as the Ministry will
not take the issue lightly. There were also words of caution for importers
bringing meat into the territory without a permit. In addition, domestic
consumers were advised to get a permit in order to bring meat into the
territory. Officials say the measure is needed since Foot and Mouth Disease
can enter the BVI via small quantities of tainted meat.
Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Gavin Peters underscored the need for the
procedure to be followed, and said meat purchased in the
USVI should be checked for country of origin. Dr. Peters noted that meat
originating in a European Union country, though purchased
in the USVI, could not enter the Territory.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labor and the BVI Department of
Agriculture will soon embark on a public relations drive to
inform residents about obtaining a permit in order to bring meat and meat
products into the islands. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural
Resources and Labor Mrs. Sheila Brathwaite chaired the recently held FMD
Task Force meeting. It followed the inaugural meeting that was held on
April 4, 2001. The sub committees, namely Movement of Persons, Public
Relations, and Ports Activities, have been established. The various sub
committees gave reports of their activities since the initial meeting.
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