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| Minister of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Water Resource Management, Dr. David Estwick (FP)?? |
Government is updating the legislation which governs animal health and the movement of animals in and out of Barbados.
This was revealed by Minister of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Water Resource Management, Dr. David Estwick, who noted the present laws were "on the books" since 1957 and government was working to bring them up to the international standards of the World Trade Organization.
The trade in animals, animal byproducts and plants has become a billion dollar industry worldwide, however, it remains under threat from several emerging and remerging diseases and plant pests.
Dr. Estwick pointed out that Barbados has had to remain vigilant to negate against such dangers and as such, the amended legislation entitled The Animal National and International Movement and Disease Prevention Bill, would focus on areas such as disease prevention and management.
Speaking to the Barbados Government Information Service recently, he added that the amendments would require some changes at the local ports of entry.
"It includes significant upgrades in relation to our air and seas ports in terms of quarantine facilities. Some weaknesses exist in terms of our inspection capacity…Having to upgrade the infrastructure at the ports is a critical element to this," Dr. Estwick pointed out.
The Agriculture Minister disclosed the amended legislation was presently with the Solicitor General Offices and would be ready soon.