The Jamaica Environment Trust, JET, has called for greater penalties to be applied to Windalco, following the latest effluent leak into the Rio Cobre, in St. Catherine.

JET noted that the problem is a repeat offence and that each time there is a leak and subsequent fish kill, the health and livelihood of residents are adversely affected with very little redress.

It also noted that over the decades and under different management, Windalco has received multiple breach notices and are even now the defendants in a legal case filed by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) over a 2019 discharge.

This recent spill has resulted in NEPA gearing up for another law suit.

Chief Executive Officer of JET, Dr. Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie, said the repeated nature of the offences, suggests a lack of respect for Jamaicas’ environmental laws and regulations, as well as for the human rights of those who have been negatively affected.

Dr. Moodie said the fines for breaching the environmental laws are too low, hence not an effective deterrent.

She said what should be considered are revocation of Windalco‘s permits and licences, as well as a civil suit.

Dr. Moodie said JET stands ready to support residents, if they wish to make a legal challenge against Windalco.