The Plant Quarantine Unit in Dominica has suspended the importation of fruits from Spain and Italy due to the outbreak of the oriental fruit-fly reported in these countries.
Head of the Plant Quarantine Unit, Nelson Laville, said during a media interview recently, that the some of the fruits banned include grapes and apples.
“Last week as well, we were informed by our partners through our networks that there was an outbreak of oriental fruit-fly in Spain and Italy and for that reason we have suspended the import of fruits from Spain and Italy, “he said.
Laville continued, “We don’t usually import fruits directly from Spain and Italy but we have a very active trade with Guadeloupe and Martinique and they import fruits from Spain and Italy,”
He is advising persons not to import or purchase those fruits until the pest is under control.
“It’s not to say we are going to be without grapes and apples for the Christmas season. [There are] alternate sources such as Chile, the United States, Canada who also produce those things,” Laville stated. “We are advising persons not to purchase for now until the all clear and the pest is under control.”
Laville mentioned further that this fruit-fly also has 300 hosts which include citrus, avocadoes and bananas.
He indicated that no permits will be issued to importers who wish to import fruits from Spain and Italy.
“This is not an indefinite restriction,” he said. “Eventually when the situation is under control, we will re-evaluate the decision. But presently, there is a restriction. So, we are not issuing any permits to importers who wish to import fruits with the origin of Italy and Spain, and that includes grapes, pears, and apples,” Laville remarked.
Its a shame we have to import lettuce and lime. Wow, My late Grand Father and mother must be turning in their grave. these folks work hard, to develop this island to have a bunch of lazy folks destroy the country. I Dominique!
Boy that really sad when Dominica green fertile Dominica have to be importing fruits and even vegetables. I even hear my people importing bottled water from Antigua. Dominica what’s happening to us what’s going on in our heads. What happened to all the big educated people we pushed and sent to school overseas? When are we going to be allowed back home those of us that want to come home and do things for our people and be allowed to help?
Who is stopping you all from coming back home? Who? And why do you think?
To show you how those politicians not about nothing. There was a story the other day, probably two days ago where I found out we importing lettuce and cabbage from US and Canada. Now this story, apples, grapes I can understand but Bananas?Avocado? Citrus? those being imported? Then the “Honorable Reginald Austrie” will go on a platform and froth and frown on how we getting third rate chicken and unhealthy chicken being dumped on Dominica when we can produce our own. When in all reality, it is easier and probably more profitable to grow those things than to raise chicken. Cause to raise chicken you need slaughter houses etc *insert everything else here*.
So take heed, politicians only say things to hype up the scene “Third rate chicken from america!!!” , “Omg! america giving us old chicken!!!” when this isnt based in facts. If it’s not a lettuce and a lime we can give ourselves, you think is a chicken farm we can do?
Show me the lie in what I said.
You sound like a banana, avocado and citrus farmer who knows the business superbly. Are you? And you seem to know a lot about chicken. Tell us about your experience too. I’m sure your information would be helpful to all of us.
@Iamanidiot, Please read to understand. “this fruit-fly also has 300 hosts which include citrus, avocados and bananas.” The statement does not mean that we import these fruits. It says that these fruits are hosts of the fruit fly in question. Therefore, if this or other species of fruit flies, other than the one we already have, enters our country, the mentioned fruits and more will be at high risk for infestation. The fruits will not be fit for consumption or processing.