Residents sound alarm after 'oily substance' and dead fish wash ashore Farquhar Beach in Clarendon

A probe is to be launched after residents say an oily substance and dead fish have washed ashore at Farquhar Beach in southern Clarendon.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries confirmed that investigations into the incident will be launched. Environmentalists have expressed their intent to assess the situation.

Residents say they have seen lobsters among the dead marine animals. They say the issue has disrupted the seafood trade and sparked concerns about potential environmental damage to the area’s marine life.

Denue 'Bongo' McKoy, operator of Bongo Seafood Restaurant, said the substance appeared shortly after the passage of Hurricane Melissa on October 28.

“In my 13 years of operating here, I have never seen anything like this,” he said, noting that fishing activity in the area has come to a halt, affecting local livelihoods.

Overseas visitor Dr Witford Reid described the scene as “complete devastation” and called for a swift assessment by authorities, including NEPA (National Environmental and Planning Agency).

Residents are demanding urgent intervention to contain possible contamination and protect the coastal ecosystem that supports their fishing-dependent livelihoods.

The area was once a vibrant hub for locals and visitors.

-Olivia Brown

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