Minister denies septic waste dumped on farmland at Spencer’s

Agriculture Minister Dr Shantal Munro-Knight has denied that septic waste was dumped on farmland at Spencer’s, Christ Church, insisting the material was left nearby but not on cultivated land, and warning that those responsible will face prosecution.

In a recorded statement issued after complaints from farmers and growing discussion on social media, Munro- Knight said investigations began immediately after the matter was brought to her attention on Wednesday afternoon.

“I was made aware of the issue of the dumping of what appears to be faeces at Spencer’s yesterday afternoon… no permission was granted for dumping in the area.”

Munro-Knight said authorities have already gathered evidence that could help identify the offenders and confirmed that the matter will be escalated to the police.

“We also want to note that there are cameras in the area. We do have possible pictures of the offender, and the intent, therefore, is that we will notify the police and lodge a complaint,” she said.

The incident was reported to the police, she said.

The Ministry of Agriculture and the Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (BADMC) were collaborating with the Barbados Water Authority and the ministries responsible for health and the environment to investigate the matter.

“We … [are] working with other critical ministries to be able to make sure that the area is not jeopardised.”

Munro-Knight stressed that preliminary information indicates the dumping did not occur directly on the agricultural lands cultivated by farmers at Spencer’s.

“I do want to note that the area where the dumping was done is not on the agricultural lands. It’s on the other side. That is what has been indicated to me,” she said.

“But nevertheless, it should not have taken place.”

The minister expressed disappointment that such activity had occurred and warned that those responsible would face the full consequences under the law.

“It’s really a pity that we have stooped so low as Barbadians to come to this and to have that kind of dumping in an area,” she said.

“And I am looking forward to whoever the offenders are being fully prosecuted.”

The response follows complaints from farmers at Spencer’s who said they have repeatedly observed trucks entering the area and dumping waste near the land they cultivate.

Farmers claim the activity has occurred for a prolonged period of time and alleged that trucks visit the location at least once a month to unload waste.

The issue has gained traction on social media in recent days and has also drawn political attention.

Amoy Gilding-Bourne, a farmer and Democratic Labour Party agriculture shadow minister has also raised concerns about the situation.

Efforts have already been made to address the odour affecting the area by covering the site with material using equipment deployed from the BADMC’s Fairy Valley headquarters.