All crocodiles were removed from Portmore pond before remedial work started - NWC

The National Water Commission (NWC) says it "deeply regrets" the death of several crocodiles at its Greater Portmore Sewage Pond, adding that all crocodiles were removed before the facility was emptied for repairs.

In a statement Friday, the NWC said all crocodiles had been “safely removed” during preparations.

"At the time of emptying the ponds, all crocodiles were safely removed, and subsequent follow-up checks confirmed none were present. This regrettable incident occurred despite on-going joint monitoring efforts. Preliminary assessments indicate that the animals accessed the dry pond area and were subsequently unable to exit, leading to the tragic outcome," the commission said.

The NWC's statement follows an earlier statement by Minister with responsibility for the environment, Matthew Samuda, who described the discovery of 10 dead adult crocodiles at the St Catherine site as “heartbreaking” and “troubling.”

Samuda said he had ordered an urgent multi-agency investigation and will tour the facility within 36 hours alongside technical teams from the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), the Forestry Department, the NWC, and wildlife experts to assess solutions.

NEPA has launched a probe into the matter.

Opposition Spokesperson on Environment and Ecological Heritage, Senator Sophia Frazer Binns, says the results of the investigation into the deaths of adult crocodiles should be made public.

“It is important that the findings be shared so we can understand exactly what caused this and how it can be prevented in the future,” Frazer Binns said in a media release in which she called for an urgent investigation into the incident.

Samuda had previously announced that the findings would be made public.

In her statement on Friday, Frazer Binns said, “This incident raises serious questions about the management of the area, and I am calling for a thorough investigation, not only to determine what went wrong but to establish whether there was any breakdown in mechanical or other systems and processes.”

She also reminded the public that the American Crocodile is a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act, and harming or killing them is a criminal offence.

The NWC, which said it is fully cooperating with NEPA, outlined several steps it intends to take, including implementing all of NEPA’s recommendations to prevent a recurrence, undertaking restitution measures, and strengthening environmental monitoring protocols.

The NWC said it will:

-Implement and follow through on all recommendations prescribed by NEPA to prevent any recurrence;

-Undertake restitution measures in accordance with NEPA’s regulations and guidance;

-Review and strengthen protocols around environmental monitoring at its facilities.

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