I am Dr. John Toussaint, Veterinarian by profession. I obtained my Doctor in Veterinary Medicine Degree from Cuba in 1985 with honors and Master of Science Degree from Tuskegee, Alabama, USA, specialized in Tropical Animal Medicine/Epidemiology in 1992. I was awarded a scholarship from Tuskegee University, School of Veterinary Medicine to pursue my Doctorate (PhD) as a result of my outstanding academic performance at the University.
I am leasing 1.89 acres of land at the LaPlaine Agricultural Station which was formerly used by the Division of Agriculture to house its pig unit for many years. I began my pig production program on this property from 2006.
According to an article published by Dominica News Online on August 23, 2016, based on an interview with Mr. Jason Fontaine, Chairman of the La Plaine Disaster Prepared Management Committee, the farm holds between three and four thousand (3000 – 4000) is depositing pig waste directly into the Tabari River.
The article states that the farm is about 100 to 200 feet from the river and when the employees are bathing, feeding the pigs and using the hose to wash down the pen that waste water is going into the river. How and where did Mr. Jason Fontaine, Chairman of the La Plaine Disaster Prepared Management Committee arrive at these figures?
On Thursday 24 August 2016, the day after the DNO article, Mr. Fontaine was interviewed on Q 95 FM’s “Talk ON THE BLOCK” program where he stated that “the consumption of the water from the Taberi River can get people sick with Yellow Fever, Jaundice, Cholera and anything you can think of”.
Our media houses must take time out to examine the manner in which they represent the noble profession “Journalism”. The media should be made to be responsible whenever that it bring the profession into disrepute. The media must be sensitive to balance stories which can be offensive and threatens the existence of one party over the other. It is morally and professionally right to get both sides of a story before any publication, otherwise, it can be bias, misleading and/or embarrassing to either party. The media should not facilitate sensationalism and fearmongering.
There are certain individuals from the La Plaine community who have embarked on mischief, creating fear among the people to fulfil their personal agendas/objectives. Pig s..t floating down the Taberi River, contaminating the water, putting one health at risk, the everyday activities of the river cannot be enjoyed are all valid reasons why people would be skeptical and revolt to get their river back.
If this was the case, they would be correct and I would endorse their behavior. Unfortunately, these allegations are Untrue, Baseless and Malicious which just cannot be substantiated by any scientific, visual or tangible evidence. These false rumors have overstretched the limits of tolerance hence I am prepared to take punitive action for peace of conscience and mind.
I want to make it abundantly clear that the exist waste disposal system located on farm would make it very difficult for pig s..t to reach the Taberi River far less, to be floating down stream.
This rumor of river contamination began in 2014 after the water line of a small business along the seaside was disconnected because the proprietor failed to meet his financial commitments toward a new water supply line. Prior to this, everything was “Nice and Dandy”. This rumor was intended to hit back at me but it became complicated and polarized in political campaign of 2014 since everyone knows my politically allegiance. After the elections everything normalized.
During the turmoil in 2014, the Environmental Health Department was directed to investigate the complaints and recommend solutions. There were several visits by senior staff of the Department accompanied by the District Environmental Health Officer. Water samples were taken and submitted to the Bureau of Standards Laboratory located at Stockfarm for testing. The results showed no evidence of feacal contamination. The Department also provided a design to upgrade the existing waste system.
The Planning Division was also mandated to visit the farm and its environs. The Division report spoke of water along the edge of a farm access road but no mention was made of pig feaces along the road, on the road or reaching the water source. The water along the edge was due to an overflow of the border of the aerated pond (open soakaway) after an extensive period of rain. The farm did the necessary clean up.
The Environment Coordinating Unit also made a visit and offered some suggestions.
During that year, the proprietor of the pig farm secured technical assistance of a Cuban Pig Expert to reorganize the production and waste disposal systems on the farm taking into account the updated version of the waste disposal system designed by the Environmental Health Department. All this was done to alleviate fear and make way for amicable co-existence.
The waste disposal system has improved significantly. The routine cleaning procedures established is very efficient and will not allow pig sh..t to reach the river. Firstly, the solid material is spaded into wheelbarrows and then dumped under a cover shed for curing. This material is bagged and sold as organic fertilizer. Farmers of La Plaine and environs have the opportunity to bag for themselves free of cost. The pens are then hosed down. Waste water from the pens is conducted through a 4 inches pipe conduit system into two manholes (2’ x 3’ x 2’) which lie parallel to each other. These manholes are emptied every three to four day into a concrete bin. The waste water proceeds to a three-chambered septic tank (8’ x 10’ x 16’) then continues through the conduit system to a filter constructed with small stones, quarter inch gravel and sand before being released over land. It should be noted that this water is ideal for crop irrigation and aquaculture.
The tubing system separates the rain water from waste water. The rain water is diverted to a secondary pond. This was necessary since excessive rain water entering the septic tank and aerated pond has resulted in the overflow of the pond’s lower border in 2014.
In 2015, after the passing of Tropical Storm Erika, the villagers used the Taberi River extensively for over three weeks to wash, bathe, cook and picnic without any illness or complaints. There were no infectious or contagious disease outbreaks after Tropical Storm Erika as a result of using the Tabari River. Where was Mr. Fontaine during and after the passing of Tropical Storm Erika? The proprietor of the small business on the seaside has been pumping water from the Tabari River to full his pool and through his overhead sprinkler network system during his Wet Fete activities. Mr. Fontaine and many other have enjoyed being wet for hours with no incidence of illness.
In 2016, this monster became alive again with more vengeance to create fear and panic among villagers. This time a hotel proprietor and his surrogate/mouth piece, disguised as Chairman of the La Plaine Disaster Prepared Management Committee, decided to revive what had been dormant.
On July 15, 2016 the Hotelier complained to the President of the Dominica Hotel and Tourist Association who, in turn, emailed the Minister of Tourism and Urban Renewal and copied the same to the Minister of Health and Human Resources, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Honorable Prime Minister, Mr. Herve Nizard (hotel proprietor),Stephaine Astaphan and Arienne Perryman. A one minute video was attached to his email allegedly showing pig excrement floating and coming down the river from the farm. How interested? How did the pig excrement reach the river? This video is malicious and intended to do mischief.
The surrogate, Mr. Jason Fontaine, Chairman of the La Plaine Disaster Prepared Management Committee took over his assignment on August 23rd, 2016 when he published his first article on Dominica News Online. The writer tried to put up a case without any substantiated scientific evidence – only speculations. He said anything that came to mind that would create fear. How can a farmer manage a pig enterprise between three and four thousand pigs in such a small space? How did he come to the conclusion that the farm has a capacity not exceeding four hundred pigs? If the river is so contaminated, why people never feel sick after using the same river for over three weeks post Tropical Storm Erika? Is he implying that pig waste is so toxic that it would kill fish even in a large flowing river like Taberi? This story makes no sense except creating fear and panic. Of course, this story resonates with those who are political bias and are looking to score cheap political points. The feedbacks to the article explain all. But all free thinking Dominican will know that this is coming from a “loose canon.”
During the Talk On The Block Program with Matt Peltier on Q95 FM Radio August 24, 2016, his second assignment, Mr. Fontaine said that he has just begun his campaign and nothing is going to stop him until the farm is closed or the animal population is substantially reduced. My advice to you sir (Mr. Fontaine), “go right ahead if this is the only job available to you (him) but remember, there can be consequences”. Defamation of Character is a criminal offence.
When the President of DHTA decided to contact the Honorable Ministers and others, he should be cognizant that these cottages and retirement homes are located in a Designated Agriculture Zone. And that, the French hotel proprietor purchased acres of agricultural land at agriculture land selling price and not prices of land destine for Commercial and Real Estate Developments. And that, the hotelier knew fully well the existence and location of the pig farm prior to purchasing the land. His choosing to build cottages and subdivide land into house lots for sale is his prerogative – his choice.
Agriculture is as important as tourism in quest for economic development of Dominica. Agriculture and tourism projects must complement each other for mutual co-existence in areas of close proximity. In this case, a hotel development cannot co-exist with a pig production enterprise due to various factors and the hotelier should have known this. He proceeded with the development and implementation of his hotel project without any compatibility study or if he was aware did not give it the importance it deserved. So why at this stage the investor and his surrogate want to attack my farm to achieve their comfort?
This is the largest and most reliable pig unit in Dominica. We contribute enormously to the national efforts to reduce Dominica’s Food Import Bill by supplying our customers with top quality fresh pork. Many farmers throughout the country depend on the farm for their supply of piglets, boars and gilts to begin their farms or replenish their existing stock. The farm has made tremendous investments in modern technology to upgrade its production system to maximize productivity as well as to control environmental pollution. We continue to work with all concern to ensure our customers’ needs as well as prudent environmental responsibility. The newly constructed abattoir depends on this farm and others to be upgraded to sustain its operation.
Further, the farm has been selected to participate in a Regional Climate Resilience Project sponsored by the Swedish Government. The project is designed to convert the pig waste into energy. This project will benefit the environment, the La Plaine and neighboring communities by providing a cheaper source of energy for domestic purposes, and the farmers with packaged organic fertilizer. The farm is destined to become a training centre for farmers and students.
The struggle continues for building a better Dominica.
Many talkers/critics but no suggestions; not even any concrete ones. I wonder if it is known he is a UWP supporter, what would you UWP supporters state about him? Food for thought.
When people are DLP supporters, you UWP supporters give them flack. Nothing they say and do can ever please you. This is how unfair and bias you are.
Sirach 27:8 – If you strive after justice you will attain it, and put it on like a splendid robe.
Taken from the book, “Black Like Me” – “It is by justice that we can authentically measure man’s value of his nullity. The absence of justice is the absence of what makes him a man. He who is less than just is less than man.”
You could, hopefully learn something from that.
DNO, I would love you long time, if if do some more aggressive reoprting on this pig farming fiasco with area video. Your ratings will go through the roof!!
Dr Toussaint all you must do is go by the river right where they falsely accusing you, jump in swim for a whole hour you and family, drink 3 big gwoje of water and post it for the world to see. End of the story!
“If this is so, the one who bought the land for agricultural purpose and built a hotel development on it should relocate.”(The Real Facts/ Kid On Block/Tell The Facts, and all other of your aliases, and et, al.
Regardless as to whether someone buys land for a grave yard, or to build as much pit-hole toilet to accommodate everybody in the country chief of all The mountain Chicken Roosevelt Skerrit:
They have a right to change their mind and do what they wish to do with their property, even if they bought the land know to be agricultural land, unless there is a specific law in the country which designates that area exclusively for agriculture purpose; nobody is in a position to dictate to the owner what they should do with their land!
And if we are talking tourism in the country, Hotels, and even Motels should be a priority, therefore no cesspool of pig feces should be where the smell of pig feces is the last thing someone smells before going to bed, and the first they smell…
Heard this week on the Toronto News, there are over 118,000 homeless people living on the streets in California. I heard one of them state, it is not safe at all. The mayor (or someone in authority) was told to call it a disaster. He refused. If this is where you reside as you stated, you would do well to exert your time and energy to do something for these people in your area who are in dire need of help.
Facts, you cannot believe everything you hear you know!
Indeed there are plenty homeless people all over the place but, to quote a number could be a matter of exaggeration. Learn this: plenty of those people in the streets are there by choice; a good many of them are people with psychological and mental issues. Some are drug addicted.
And here is a shocker for you: You probably read where I spoke about my private nurse. Prior to becoming a nurse she worked in the banking industry for more than thirty years. She told me in one bank where she worked a woman once per month would enter the bank and withdraw four hundred dollars. She told me the woman stunk, and she felt sorry for her until she pulled up the woman account, only to find out the woman had millions of dollars in the bank.
This is a lady who was a school principle who decided she did not want to pay property tax anymore, and simply walked away from her home. There are plenty of people like that in California.
This is what I would call put your foot in it, as I understood,there two stream,Sassari and tabarie,they wash in it ,they bathe in it and drink water from it.The harsard was discovered in SIsarie,why does he mixed up with tabarie.
I have written to Apple and Samsung asking them to quickly come out with a new generation of smartphones that will record smells
….I have seen secret footage of the place, but without the scent it will not convey the real vibes. 
Dr Toussaint,your pig enterprises is making a valuable contribution to the local economy and the national economy.However you seem to operate as if it’s your right to be where you are located irrespective of the consequences.It’s time you consider obtaining a a permanent location elsewhere for your farm Did you do an environment impact study based on the current carrying capacity of the farm and possible expansion?Show some humility and try to work it out with all concerned for the betterment of the area and the country.Your enterprises has grown sufficiently that you can apply for some of the money at the bank which the government recently put up to buy or lease land elsewhere to become a bona fide pig farm in an environmental responsible location.Although you are leasing government land for your farm,it’s the people’s land and they have to have a say.Be grateful for the time you spent there growing your farm now grow up.The environmental health officer is also not happy with you.
Although this may surprise some readers, I am not going to blame the pig farmer. If what Mr. Fontaine and the Chief Environmental Officer said is true, then this is a most serious indictment on the part of the Ministry of Health and, by extension, the current government. They seem to be putting partisan politics before the health and safety of the citizens. Blame them for they are, ultimately, responsible for the respect of the laws of this land and must be held accountable. That said, there was/is no reason for Dr. Toussaint to have written this long, error-filled communique.
HOTEP!
The Dr clearly indicated in his response that there have been many occasions where the pig feces has overflowed into streets and the river.
The environmental agency has indicated that they are aware of this ongoing issue for years now.
The people that have lived there for generations are telling you in clear and certain terms that this poisoning their environment.
Other business owners and farmers are negatively affected by this and following the mans of the law and its agencies to address the issue to no avail.
The fish and Crayfish in the river are dying and titiwi season is no longer an option…
What do you expect to happen now?
Dr Toussaint does not address the statement by the Environmental Health Unit that it has been concerned for 5 years over the situation with his farm and its waste management. That statement was only expressed to DNO by the Chief Environmental Officer only last week although she was hedging.
This is a very poorly written statement by a university educated professional.
Mr. Toussaint, you have an important job at the ministry of agriculture, which I think would take most of your time. How can you be sure that your employees at your pig farm do all the things you say are being done in your absence?
Besides, I think that is a serious conflict of interest you being an important pig farmer and at the same time be the boss of the government agricultural investment unit. It takes a very strong and principled man not to put his own interest first.
Is he really the boss at the agri investment unit? 8-O. Is that for real????? So the boss of a government program is running a pig farm and involved in a polution fiasco. If he is i certainly hope that his farm was financed out of his own pocket. If this guy used one single dollar of gov fund he needs to be in jail. This is the definition of corruption and if condoned and allowed for all this years then laplain people and Dominicans are a total waste of time. This is like insider trading.
Give me a break!
This man is crazy…n the system is so mess up I remember a young man threw some waste in the river a few years a ago and he was charged $3,000 for a bag of s..t and this man is dumping all of this pig waste daily n he is still doing it after all these year and we all kno how toxic this crap is …come on dominica yall can do way better than that think about the people ….
Is that the same John Toussaint, who used to be our Minister for Health and Social Security?
Honestly in order to be fair and open to the doctor side of the story, I began to read but sorry I couldn’t get far. First of all he started saying how did Mr. Fontaine get those figures. Then he started attacking the media. I stopped right there. There are pictures are, and what about the environmental officer who was quoted as saying they are aware of the problem. I don’t believe u sir. Will and come again.
I guess that it is high time that the Health Dept. and Govt. officials get out to the site and determine whether complaints are true or false. But then again Dr. Toussaint works for the Govt.
The onus is now on DNO to take the trip up to laplaine and report for themselves. The man claiming his pig waste not a problem. I urge DNO to visit laplaine for themselves and see the blatant lies of toussaint. That man has to be delusional…My god!!!
The poopoo dere for all to see turning the localroad into a swamp. And the man want tocome with his hogwash…
That’s a good idea DNO, get you reporters out there, this is an important topic!
Thought the response is well written and eloquent… its quite clear even if one where to disregard previous comments by everyone else, in his own response he has clearly indicated that their is an ongoing issue of overflowing waste matter. This is certainly not political as the very same people who are bringing this issue too light are from all political parties. Its a health and environmental issue in a place where people have always worked together and take pride in their environment. A pig farm has no business being above a river, the waste water will inevitable seep into the ground.
its ironic how the forestry department and the environmental department would gladly fine or imprison a villager for fishing without a permit or hunting cwibish out of season but this environmental issue like a bacterial bomb is killing all the life in the river… point blank.
In his own words he has admitted to multiple instances of flooding waste water, that is what he has chosen to…
Since when does it take a Doctorate degree to realize the river is full of pig s____t and stinks like hell! Remember the book-
Animal Farm?
Toussaint stop lieing I was there today stop lieing you are playing politics and you are very disrespectful to mr fontaine and his committee by calling them lose cannan it is fact you can’t even admit there is a problem wen there is facts the village council and the laplaine disaster preparedness management committee should make you pay for polluting that river shame on you
This man said, when the waste water is released it is good for plants etc. but You did not mention human ingestion. Will it run off in any way under any weather into the river?
Or Is it so called development at any cost?
I remember a workshop in July 2011 headed by Dr. Toussaint on the production of sanitary meat in Dominica. At that time he stressed that we must meet the European Union standard and must become certified by the E.U. Dr. Topussaint, does your pig production meet that standard and are you certified by the E.U.
There obviously is a problem, as stated by the Environmental health dept. and Dr. Toussaint’s assertion that a hotel development cannot co-exist with a a pig processing enterprise. We should not forget that Dr. Toussaint heads the Agricultural Investment Unit in the Ministry of Agriculture.
He is also the person who famously assured us in 2011 that a coffee processing plant would be coming soon (DNO 3 Fe. 2011), and indirectly would have benefitted from the U.S.$.8 million livestock grant from Venezuela, announced by him on10 Feb. 2011 (DNO of the same date).
Dr. Toussaint appeals to our sense of patriotism when he says that his enterprise contributes enormously to the national effort to reduce Dominica’s food import bill, conveniently omitting that he would be a major beneficiary since profits from agricultural activities in Dominica are not taxed, especially as a supplier to an abattoir under his Ministry’s control with intervention prices.
Another DLP movie filled with lies, legal threats and the “No law no constitution can stop me” attitude.
Why this long letter Dr. Toussaint? Why not go on Q 95 or any radio station to clear your name? Are you scared of being questioned? Or, is it because you know Dominicans don’t read you decided to write this long, boring, misleading letter? We need to take Matt advise of ” It’s better to be thought of as a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubts.” After hearing what Jason Fontaine said and the response of the chief Environmental Health officer, because of my knowledge of you I gave you the benefit of doubt. But after reading your long, useless letter, you sure removed all my doubts.
But with all this being said and legal threats made, why have we not heard from the government? Why not the parlrep? Where is the minister of health? I mean if villagers have an environmental concern which they expressed through chairman of the disaster committee, why government…
If you are calling on the Doctor to clear his name then you are admitting that someone has damaged his name.
Typical Labor supporter, mapuis and more mapuis. Those of us who know the gentleman, know that response was not written by him. Those of us who knows Tony, knows the response was written by him. This long boring response does not address a serious problem, if you don’t have 3000 to 4000 pigs how many pigs do you have. The pictures posted by DNO tell a thousand words. While you are criticizing DON for the journalistic aspect of its reporting, you did not mention anything about the pictures showing the polluted rivers. If you want to convince Dominicans that the river in not polluted, why didn’t you request an international Environmental Health Department to visit the piggery and submit a copy of the report to DNO. Do you expect us to believe, with the problems the abattoir is facing, there is a Government Institution that would be brave to give the piggery a failing grade. You are right ,we know your political allegiance, “no law, no constitution.”
Why do you not take a trip there and see for yourself? What we read we usually comment on pro and con. It has absolutely nothing to do with which Party one supports. Be broadminded.
I think it is a well-worded, well-written and stated response, providing adequate explanation.
People must get their facts straight prior to going public with it and create a sensation on way or the other.
“one way or the other”
If you don’t know your facts dear lady it is better to keep quiet, unless you want to be considered an idiot.
Dr. T you have FAILED to highlight through your own scientific reporting how you are not contaminating the river. You have yet to mention the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels and as such no baseline established. You have yet to mention any source of DATA that would lead to further clarification of your point. I would also be concerned because of the monogastric nature of the animal and hence its ability to utilized some local feed efficiently. The concern would be valid given the potential for nutrient surface run off. Dr. T also suggested “It should be noted that this water is ideal for crop irrigation and aquaculture.”. With strong cause for concern. The good Dr. T should know that pig fecal matter contain E. coli and other coliforms. Without proper pre-treatment (e.g. aerobic fermentation) this product is not recommended for use as a liquid fertilizer especially for vegetable crops consumed fresh. Did the good Dr. T imply that he did (complete) a PhD..,for what end?
@Username & others: Actually, it is not the Dr. to prove BOD levels etc. Someone has accused him of major offenses and that someone should be the one to provide the evidence for his assertions.
It really does not matter who wrote this on his behalf or if he penned it himself. He has added another side to the ‘story’.
Let’s see how this one pans out.
you know UWP cronies do not like to hear the other side of any story and if you ask for evidence you may be shot. Its UWP worse nightmare, to show evidence. Case in point, Skerrit’s passport case
If Dr. John Toussaint’s letter was intended to clear the air and inform the public about the real situation at his pig operation, he did a very lousy job of damage control.
At the very least he should have expressed some degree of empathy with those residents of LaPlaine impacted by effluent from the operation. He should have admitted that community concerns about the operation date as far back as 2008 and inform the public of any and all actions taken by his operation in response to recommendations from Environmental Health. While he vigorously challenged the estimated pig numbers ( 3000-4000) given by Mr.Fontaine, he failed to state how many pigs are housed on the premises.
He may have succeeded in sending a chill to press/media and Mr.Fontaine, but he has also seeded enough doubts in the public’s mind about what goes on at the operation. And one more thing, by refusing Dr. Joseph Williams’s invitation to attend the public meeting, he displayed a lack of respect for the…
Take it from me, sometimes when we are too educated, we function even worst than people who are only capable of using their common sense.
He went overboard trying to defend something that is indefensible, there is no excuse, somebody screwed up; the evidence is quite visible, it would be simpler, if he simply say, there is a problem, and we are in the process of resolving the issue.
The longer he commented the more senseless his argument became. Simply because he is a veterinarian doctor, with a PhD does not make him invincible. It does not take a degree for one to know how to raise pigs, and one does not need much commonsense to know that unless the intent is to pollute nearby streams and rivers; no one who thinks cognitively would locate a pig farm next to a river, especially in a place like Dominica where it rains so often, and heavily.
Runoff of rain water mixed with feces are compelled to terminate in the river! All he has done is try to talk his way out of it…
True Telemaque!! well said
I am so happy that you pointed out how over educated minds can function,,,for example you who always boast about how educated you are,when in fact you are the most assinistic wirtter on DNO…thanks for your clarity
the man explained in a very lenthy letter as to how they dispose of the pig waste,,even given it away freely,,the water system they got set up distributes the overland,,and yet you call that a lousy job of damage control,,what schooling did you really receive..coco mackac???
I am not going to take sides but clearly Dr. Toussaint’s long letter makes no sense whatsoever. What does where he attended school and his degree have to do with the allegations and concerns Jason expressed? Is he suggesting that because of his education and degree persons should take what they get?
First, Dr. Toussaint needs to realize Mr. Jason Fontaine, is Chairman of the La Plaine Disaster Prepared Management Committee and has a right to raise concerns he and his committee have, since they represent concerns of the community. To refer to him as lose canon is not only showing his ignorance but his disrespect and bully attitude for the people.
His ignorance is also seen on his attack on the media by trying to tell journalist how to do their work and his legal threat. Also, he gives the impression that Environmental Health dept. is happy but such is not the case here:
http://dominicanewsonline…
By stating his qualifications, he clearly wants to let you know that he is fully qualified to operate a well designed sanitary, environmentally friendly piggery. But he has failed in his operations; . If he is so qualified he should have known better and do better.
“The article states that the farm is about 100 to 200 feet from the river and when the employees are bathing, feeding the pigs and using the hose to wash down the pen that waste water is going into the river. How and where did Mr. Jason Fontaine, Chairman of the La Plaine Disaster Prepared Management Committee arrive at these figures?(John Toussiant).
It matters not what anybody say, a single picture means more than a thousand words! Seeing is believing; we saw more than one cesspool of polluted water; which appears to be polluted with pig feces; we hope it is not also mixed with human feces too!
Be reminded, it does not matter how many degrees one have, they are still in the human flesh, capable of blundering as everyone else. I do not see how one can defend against what is exposed in plain view, whereas to you the damage is invisible!
Obviously the waste is a problem . Not only waste , the scent may be an issue as well.
So try to fix the problem
Both arguments has a grain of truth , but we all know pig waste is not the best perfume.
why cant the relevant authorities just visit the area and do what needs to be done. a visit should be conducted along side Mr. Fontaine. The Environmental health department has shut down small backyard Pig stys because of odor & fly complaints; now we have odor, flies, pollution & contamination of a major water source, endangerment of the public’s health, misuse and abuse of livestock fascility and a matter of national concern in La Plaine. This should command the attention of the entire ministry of Health. In fact, Skerrit and Savarin should be up there by tomorrow.
Pure pig poopoo talk that.
Well, now we got both sides of the story.
I will agree with The pig owner that if the white man bought agricultural land at agricultural prices, then he should not expect to perform non-agricultural work and expect farmers to comply. This is actually a HUGE problem Dominica is facing and will soon face in the near future. The problem of foreigners buying farm land for say $10,000 an acre, and then doing their tourist thing and suddenly the land is valued at 10-20x the price they bought it. This then increases the value of neighboring land, pricing out Dominicans. This issue will reduce the total farmland available in the future, and existing farmers about to retire will rather sell to white people for big $$$ than to lease for the next generation. Its already happening in Calibishie.
He did not mention the number of pigs he got, if its only 400 or in fact over 4000. Its his business. and we have no evidence other than hearsay that the river is getting contaminated.
For the greater good I’d say its in the best interests of the country that the farm is successful. I personally do not approve of the DLP government, but in the big picture if we want to be in a position to export meat (pork/ chicken). This is dirty work, a large farm capable of housing 100,000+ birds, or 10,000+ pigs will smell. But that is the scale we have to be looking at if we are serious. If this guy got a start, then all environmental checks should be put in place and enforced, but we should not be politically naïve. Most farmers now the struggle of finding planting material today- who gives a s–t who is UWP or DLP, we just hope there is a farmer large enough to supply us with the material we need.
That said, I am aware of this same guys animal feed establishment which should not exist in its current location as it is a major traffic hazard. Also, pig manure cant be used for organic fertilizer. It contains pathogens harmful to humans, no different than using dog and cat…
Bro, I wish our country all the best because I do love that place. But love is not a substitute for reality. Today you can buy Cavendish bananas in London for £1.20 kg from the likes of Marks & Spencer. That is the equivalent of E.C.£.1.60/lb, the same price our local bananas retail for in our crocery stores today. Those export bananas come from Columbia, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Ghana, Ivory coast and a small dribble fro the Windward Islands, under the Fair trade label but Dominica is not among them. Our local bananas look skinny, miserable and are blemished in contrast to the healthy and flawless imported fruit in the U.K. You want to be a successful meat exporter from Dominica when we have to import most of our feedstock? Good luck! Love hurts my friend but does not pay the bills.
Bro you need to visit the area. I am from la plaine …….. The fecal matter does indeed flow into the taberi river. His soakaway system is obviously useless. The matter surfaces along the drains of the main farm access road located on the northern side of his pig farm. The area is usually filled with Flies, not to ,mention the terrible smell. This matter is liquified, and flows into a ravine, then into the river. Numerous attempts have been made to address this situation. It not only happens during the rainy season; or when it rains, but all of the time. We are fed up. Numerous authorities have visited the farm. Maybe some of you need to visit the area.
This pure bull s..t, or pig s..t in this case. What has the man’s skin colour got to with this.? This is such a racist remark, enough to put off other would-be investors in Dominica. Dr. Toussant hinmself says that “a hotel development can not co-exist with a pig production enterprise” but the fact is that the French investor complied with all the regulations and rules requested of him a government of which Dr. Toussaint is a key supporter. In fact I do believe that he is the head of the r’s Agricultural Investment Unit. Following Dr. Toussaint’s logic, one of them will have to relocate I presume? Bro you are jot really helping the development of Dominica with your attitude. Bear in mind that a non-Dominican is retricted in the amount of land he can buy and has to pay an extra 10% of the purchase price to the government. Now, that is what I call prejudice!
If this is so, the one who bought the land for agricultural purpose and built a hotel development on it should relocate. In fact, his land should be expropriated. He did not fulfill the intended reason for purchasing the land.
I think DNO should do an indepth report on this. Simply go to Calibishie. Over half the ‘farm land’ is already owned by foreigners. In fact the Calibishie area isn’t even considered farm land no more, its listed as a tourism/ commercial area by all real estate agencies in Dominica. I would joke and say they trying to push us in to the bush, but forested land is being bought out as well. Restrictions? man, US$100k for a passport aka citizenship, and you can buy unlimited amounts of land minus the 10% extra ‘non caricom citizen tax’.
It hurts me when people say tourism will provide jobs and development- are we considering 3-5 people employed @ $600/ month development? These are low paying jobs which only serve to keep people poor. We want farmers to sell their lands, so we can get development- so that their children can beg for servant work from these developments- and then buy imported food to eat. Thus sustaining the downward spiral which will take us back to the days of…
while we should encourage investment you must be careful as not to alow locals to be priced out of there own land as is what is happening in Calibishie. In SXM & BIM non nationals cant purchase land.
It is clear that Dr Toussaint’s pig operation is much,much bigger than what the government had at that location.Now that his farm capacity has grown this much it’s time he starts to move to a different location.He writes as if he has a lifetime right to the location.Since the environment health officer is unhappy with his operation he is not all in the right.Had an environmental study been done based on a projected carrying capacity he would know it’s past time to relocate.His academic qualifications should help him rationalize that it’s time to move his operation out of there,but his political thinking makes him feel like he has to show who has power.I’m sure he plans to expand in the future,so he should move now.He should be grateful for the start he got.He does not have a right to the people’s land
Bro, I have news for you. All the Dominicans that sold land to foreigners did so gladly and did not complain when they got their money. Are you going to tell any of our people, who may be cash poor that they cannot sell their land freely? yes, you are right about buying Dominican citizenship instead because if you have your eyes on plenty of land and you have your citizenship you can buy it without limit and without paying the extra 10% tax. I don’t know which government you voted for but it is Roosevelt Skerrit promoting this scheme.
pig farming should only be cultivated at the lowest of altitude for obvious reasons contamination the Salisbury river is also experiencing this same problem where they have a pig farm high on hills
Laplaine people not serious. Just talk talk talk. It’s time for action. Too much talk. Pierre collaire new how to take action. It look like all you love the pig water
Dr you need to brush up on your grammar. You should also use “waste” as opposed to shyte.
You are a professional, please act accordingly.
Whatever you call it, it smells just as bad.
Can you share with us the report from the environment team after visiting your place…that will clear the air. Or can the Environment Department share it with the public because the impact discuss here if any will be affecting the public at large.
What were the recommendations ,where they met and did they comeback to see if your comply? You are a very intelligent gentleman so to me the first thing you would share is the report from the Environment Health Department.
Again please share with us the Environmental assessment and impact provided by the department for the operation of this PIG farm at its current location.
is a good thing I don’t eat pig.
.. and your money and farm talala is going into your pocket, stop with this Dominica sorry story. You of all people man John? Boycott that place and everything coming from it.. Defermation of what character, you all think everybody stupid? You know Jason told the truth, pictures and videos don’t lie. Awareness is on the rise and you scared you will start loosing money, so suddenly you start yapping and making threats. Clean up the river and stop it, stop defending the obvious, nobody cares where you went to school toneh, we care that you’re destroying the river and wildlife period. Only in Dominica can people like you be so brazen and boldface!
this is why I never just jump on the band wagon…UWP supporters will jump on any political gabbage to lamblast the government in their desperation for political power,,see the amount of gabbage they spewed when that story first surfaced,,now is a far more different reality,,Dominicans only time will tell
You are an idiot..If at all Dominica is a democracy, people have the right to criticize their government,whether it gives you sleepless nights or not,however people DO NOT have the right to tell idiots and slaves like you to call me traitor even at the cemetry!!!! I for sure will always criticize this evil,wicked, polluted and corrupt DLP…So when you see my bloggs you better skip them…Toussaint now you bring forward your side,we need an independent mind to tell us what is wrong!!!!Our rivers should be unpolluted at all times..
You are a fool anyway, so what can be expected from the thoughts mind, and fingers of a fool?
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!
Negro please you can’t hide behind qualifications and title..mischief you say, you are twisted and mean. YOU ARE POLLUTING THE RIVER AND BY NOW YOU SHOULD BE FACING FINES OF AT LEAST $1000 PER DAY UNTIL YOU CLEAN UP THE DAMN RIVER… you could care less about what La Plaine people are going thru, enough with the divide and conquer about “,some”.. you know most will cower and not speak because of politics don’t use that to your advantage.
After TS Erika Mr Toussaint; after all that rainfaill Mr Toussaint, how could you expect the drains to be logged with your pig waste? How? Is it because there is so much of it, that you didn’t expect the showers that caused mass land slippage and swept away bridges (yes! Even bridges!); to be insufficient to clear the drains and ravines of the horendous matter from your farm? Smh
*to be sufficient but lol
I urge the Dominican public to visit the area! Farmers must traverse through fecal matter to get to their farms, its no secret. Visit mr John Ts farm, you’d surely not want to eat his meat again. Observe his so called “soak away” system, then return to the farm access road leading further into the farm lands. It brought tears to my eyes to see what the farmers have to go through on a daily basis! Shame on you Mr. Toussaint . With all your degrees you should know better! Jason was 100% right.
Yes people p olictics at its best wat is dominica coming too
After eight years thats the best story you can come with I support mr fontaine and his team enough is enough
This one must have really struck a chord. The true pollution here seems to be politics. Sad very sad. See how story jump out. Land bought at agri prices used for commercial development. Why did planning allow construction to continue. This means loss of tax revenue to the government. This place is a mess. Again it seems like the government departments incharge not doing thier jobs and our politics is causing more contamination than the pig farm. As i indicated in earlier posts if pollution has been a problem and ministry of Environment not doing its work take it to court. I also mentioned use of dried solids for fertilizer and converting waste to bio gas which would be greatly benificial.
Will like to see where this goes. Here is and opportunity for people to put politics aside and come up with a solution that works for the environment and the people.
Politics in Dominica is poisonous.
Defamation of Character is a civil tort and not a Criminal Offence as much as the Attorney General would like it to be. If it is, I’d sure like to know the section, Chapter of the Laws of Dominica that it is contained in. Thanks
Any reasonable response to this rant would be like throwing pearls in front of……….you guessed it….SWINE
i wonder how much is the lease….is it $1 a year?