Jamaican opposition calls for new environment rules

Jamaica’s political opposition says the government urgently needs a new comprehensive policy to protect the environment of the tourism-dependent Caribbean island.

Opposition environment spokesman Horace Chang cites numerous reports of rat infestations in Kingston communities and a recent fire at an open-air landfill that spread noxious smoke across the capital for more than a week. He says revamped policies are needed to coordinate the efforts of government agencies.

Chang charged on Sunday that there is a lack of direction on behalf of the government during environmental emergencies and said that it is “very troubling.”  Environment Minister Robert Pickersgill recently said that cash-strapped Jamaica needs at least $20 million to build appropriate landfills. He did not immediately respond to Chang’s comments.