(Jamaica Gleaner) The eastern parish of Portland is arming itself to tackle a rat-infestation problem that has taken root especially in the seaside town of Port Antonio, the parish’s capital.
“They are just about everywhere. You hear them running up and down in the ceiling and you can hear them squeaking,” Public Health Inspector Yizouna Forsythe told community stakeholders in the first of three emergency meetings called to address the issue as the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Portland Municipal Corporation are teaming up to tackle the issue. “It is very important that we have these rats under control. Rats are what we call vectors, and vectors are vehicles that can transmit disease,” she added. “When you see rats during the day, you know that there is a very heavy infestation,” said Forsythe.
The problem of rodents, which have been plaguing business places in and around the resort town of Port Antonio, has been ongoing for some time, and the public health inspector has urged residents to store their food properly and limit meal sources for the pests.The increase in rats and roaches has also sparked public outcry from operators of restaurants, grocery shops, and supermarkets, who are appealing for urgent action to combat the situation.
Additionally, some market vendors, including Albert Phillips, who sells sweet potato, mangoes, cabbage, and other produce at the Musgrave Market, are crying over losses as rats continued to nibble on their produce.
East Portland Member of Parliament Ann-Marie Vaz on Friday said that she, too, has suffered as rats invaded her San-San home. She told The Gleaner that it will require all hands on deck to win the fight against the rodents.
“Rats invaded my home and chewed up two of my favourite shoes,” said Vaz. “I have been a victim and, therefore, I am in full support of the Ministry of Health initiative to rid Port Antonio and its environs of rats, which pose serious health risks to residents.”
