RESIDENTS OF McNeill Land, in Westmoreland, who recently took a battering from the flood rains associated with Tropical Storm Lili, are now facing a new terror the presence of crocodiles in the stagnant water, which still surrounds their homes.
Some of the hundreds of residents, who were forced to leave their homes during the flooding, have told The Gleaner that since returning home, they have encountered crocodiles lurking in their backyards and in pools of water in the community. "We are fearful that the crocodiles might attack and eat our children," said one resident, who said numerous crocodiles have been spotted in the area in the aftermath of the flooding. "It is pretty dangerous around here with these crocodiles around."
Some residents told The Gleaner that they suspect that some of their animals, especially goats, which have gone missing in recent times might have fallen prey to the intruding crocodiles. "People are losing animals and we are wondering if the crocodiles are eating them," said Vincent Johnson, who said he has not personally encountered any crocodiles but has heard many stories about them. "I would not be surprised if persons in the community are attacked by these reptiles as it is my understanding that they are all over the place." Historically, the Big Bridge and Bay Road, which are both in close proximity to McNeill Land, are known crocodile habitats. Fishermen and other person have frequently reported seeing these crocodiles, which are normally handed over to government agencies with responsibility for protecting them, when they are caught. In addition to their fears of the crocodiles, the residents are also complaining of a serious mosquito nuisance, which they say stems from the many large bodies of stagnant water left behind by the flooding. "We have been experiencing a serious mosquito problem in the community and we would like the Westmoreland Health Department to embark on a fumigation programme to control the proliferation of mosquitoes in the area," a resident told The Gleaner on Tuesday. "The mosquito thing needs to look about because it is going to cause us to get sick."
During the onslaught of Tropical Storms Isidore and Lili, about six hundred residents living in the McNeill Land area were forced to vacate their homes as the flood waters took a heavy toll on the community.
