Limit human traffic on Pedro Cays’

As many of our fellow citizens scamper for economic sustenance in any of the meager opportunities which are sought out, the unplanned squatter settlements on the Pedro Cays are inviting the attention of Conservation-Environmental-Governmental-Media elements to evaluate and move towards some pragmatic, urgent relief.

Diana McCaulay:
It was reported, in the Observer, that JET had chosen International Coastal Clean-up Day to " help to tackle the problem of the pileup of garbage on the cay, which has resulted in fly and rat infestation."

“A decision has to be taken about the number of people [who access the cays]. No one can build a system [for the disposal of garbage] for a completely unknown number of human beings so that’s where we have to start..."

"The same rule should apply, she said, in dealing with the other challenges being faced by the estimated 400 to 500 inhabitants on the cays, which include the Northeast Cay, also inhabited, and the Southeast Cay where no one resides.
The other challenges include a lack of running water and inadequate toilet facilities, forcing residents to use a designated section of the island as their toilet."

“We have to know the numbers and then we have to consider things like how much rainfall there is, what is the soil type, what is the rock type, where best to site them [incinerators for the burning of garbage] and then get a system designed and see if we can fund it...

But she said that to make that happen regulations would be vital. “If the Government is not going to apply any rules to the Pedro Cays, it is going to be very difficult to fix these problems

“Fisheries (Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries Division) cannot absolve itself from its responsibility for the Pedro Cays. They issue licences for people to be on the cays; it is up to them to set a limit on numbers and make rules as to what can and cannot be done on the cays...

Observer: Read All About It:
www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Limit-human-traffic-on-Pedro-Cays-

Photos of Conditions::The women of Pedro Cays
www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/The-women-of-Pedro-Cays_12534373


Starting in 2005, The Nature Conservancy in partnership with the Government of Jamaica, has been working on the Pedro Bank to develop conservation solutions; including thorough environmental and social assessments, a management plan and the establishment of a fish sanctuary surrounding Southwest Cay (Bird Cay).
From June 25 to July 3, 2012, a workshop was held in the Pedro cays on Bird and Middle Cays to build capacity for Seabird research and conservation. The workshop, which was sponsored by The Nature Conservancy and the Society for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds...

VIDEO:Protecting Pedro - Building Conservation Capacity::Produced by JET's Esther Figueroa
www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8Xmfvm1QvY

I am really at a loss as to why anyone from Treasure Beach would chose to live on the Cays. Further, why does the Government allow it? I've only been there once, albeit over 30 years ago, and from what I saw, it was a most inhospitable place. From what I hear, the place is rife with gambling, drinking, and prostitution.

I am really concerned about the health of the people the Pedro Cay.They risk their lives to bring us food and make a living. I am also concerned that the fishers need help to keep their catch from being contaminated with the waste on the key. The potential for health problems seems frightening!They need help !!!

{http://www.jis.gov.jm/component/content/article/145-water-land-environment-clima te-change/31774-govt-to-address-conditions-at-pedro-cays}

(Ahoy)lots of the fishermen along the south coast that is how they get their first start in life,both educated and uneducated youth leaving school having nothing to do went to the cay with a roll of or as hire hand some were able to save and buy their own boat,built their house and start and support a family,for the rats and roaches they are in Kingston and New York,i am not supporting garbage but dont beat down those that make the sacrifice to make on honest living .

Thanks Cay Man. Nothing is better than the story from those that were there. I hope things get safer and more comfortable for our fisherpeople and their families.

No disrespect Cay Man. I am familiar with the history of our heroes going to the Cays and the Banks including Shannon and Surinellas (not sure of the spelling). That was how many of us were able to make it. My point was only about a few who, from what I gather, have been on Pedro for YEARS, and have made themselves voluntary victims of the debauchery that is rampant there.