Trade Winds Citrus Limited has explained that the withdrawal of criminal charges relating to a recent oil spill in the Rio Cobre was based solely on the company’s commitment to uphold its use of best environmental practices.
The company’s statement comes amid public outrage about an agreement between it and the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), which carries out the technical and administrative mandate of the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA).
Last December, the NRCA laid charges for breaches of the wildlife protection act against Trade Winds, following an oil spill from an old processing plant, which reportedly did not cause any environmental damage or fish kill.
The company said following the pollution incident, it launched an immediate and comprehensive clean-up operation, working closely with environmental experts and agencies, including NEPA.
It said following extensive discussions and mediation, the NRCA recognized the company’s prompt, effective and professional remediation efforts and the absence of environmental harm.
Consequently, the NRCA entered into a mediation settlement agreement with the company, which included NTCA’s withdrawal from the proceedings.
Environmental lobby groups and the Opposition Peoples National Party have since expressed concern about the withdrawal and how the matter was handled by NEPA and the NRCA.
In the wake of public outrage, Chairman of the NRCA and NEPA, Weldon Maddan resigned.
Trade Winds has pointed out that there is nothing secret or controversial about the agreement with the NRCA.
It said it did not involve any form of monetary compensation, as the focus of the agreement was on enhancing the company’s environmental stewardship and ensuring its ongoing commitment to sustainability.
Trade Winds has reaffirmed its commitment to best practices and has intensified efforts to safeguard the Rio Cobre and its surrounding eco-systems.
It said it is fully compliant with the government’s recent mandate to ban any form of discharge into the Rio Cobre.
The company said it has also made several kilometres of its riverfront property available for NEPA to install early detection devices, which will provide real time alerts for potential pollutants.