From food safety to island ecology, plant health touches on many of the most important aspects 
of life in the region. Those topics and more are under discussion this week at the CARICOM Secretariat’s fifth meeting of Caribbean plant health directors.
More than 40 government, industry and academic experts will be discussing the latest findings on invasive species such as the giant African snail and the red palm mite; plant diseases like banana streak virus and lethal yellowing; and what the different sectors and jurisdictions can do in case of a plant health emergency.
Natural Resources and Labour Minister Dr. Kedrick Pickering commended the gathering and encouraged attendees to collaborate in the interest of the greater public good.
“Only when we share information do we achieve consistency … in the highest level of food security,” Dr. Pickering said, adding that awareness of invasive species is “of paramount importance.”
See full story in the Aug. 16, 2012 issue.
{fcomment}