Red alert for the banana
published: Monday | January 27, 2003
THE EDITOR, Sir:
I found the article on Friday, January 17, 2003, titled "Scientists say bananas could split unless -" very interesting. The Panama Disease which is discussed should be treated as how the Mad Cow disease was treated some time ago, where all the ports of entry were placed on high alert and special apparatus was made available to prevent the entry of that disease to this country.
This Panama Disease which is said to be caused by a soil fungus could wipe out Jamaica's already shrinking banana plantations and this would be very devastating for our nation.
The authorities at the ports of entry must be made aware of this possible threat and must be placed on high alert when checking vegetables, plants, soil and other such items before they are permitted entry to the island. In addition to the authorities being placed on high alert Jamaicans who like to sneak items through Customs in an effort to 'beat the system', must be responsible and cautious when they import such products into the island as every one has a part to play.
One must never wish bad for others but what if Jamaica protected the bananas and ended up as one of a few countries to supply bananas to the world market - I wonder.
