Mysterious fumes report could be ready today

Jamaicans could today know the cause of the mysterious fumes which swirled over the commercial areas of Newport West in Kingston and sections of Portmore, St Catherine, more than a week ago.

"I am hoping that by tomorrow (today) we will know more and be able to say more because we were promised information from the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA)," executive director of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management Ronald Jackson said yesterday.

Jackson disclosed that he would also be meeting today with personnel from the Portmore Toll Plaza to view footage of the incident that sent businesses scurrying to draw down their shutters and triggered massive traffic congestion as residents rushed home 11 days ago.

"I have an appointment tomorrow morning (today) at 8 o'clock with the toll plaza to look at the footage," Jackson said.

He said he also expected to receive a report from NEPA which had sent samples overseas to be tested.

"NEPA has not sent me a report on the tests as yet. I am waiting to hear from them as the results were due back in the island last weekend."

He said the ones which could not be analysed in Jamaica were sent overseas.

gary.spaulding@gleanerjm.com