ETHRA GOLD

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Beetle infested wood was offloaded in Bahamas without knowledge of authorities

The Bahamas Government has launched an investigation into the offloading of wood infested with an invasive beetle by the 'Pan Jasmine' at Grand Bahama on July 24. The infested wood was taken to the Pineridge Landfill in Freeport where it was fumigated and burned. The wood was offloaded without the prior knowledge, consent or approval of the relevant Bahamian authorities. Prior to arrival in Grand Bahama, the 'Pan Jasmine' was initially banned by US Federal Agents near New Orleans from entering the US after officials discovered that the cargo of wood was infested. On July 24 the Customs Department was made aware that a ship entered the territorial waters of Bahamas and declared in ballast or no cargo. The Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Department of Environmental Health Services, the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Office of the Prime Minister Grand Bahama, the Department of Forestry, and the Department Environmental Planning and Protection concerning the offloading of suspected unidentified insect infestation of dunnage or rough wood used for packaging that was offloaded at a location near the Freeport Harbour and transported to the Pineridge Landfill. Steps were taken once the various government agencies became aware that the cargo was at the landfill. Firstly, a private company was hired to fumigate two remaining bins at the site and the surrounding area, as well as the barge that transported the dunnage from the vessel to shore. Secondly, all the dunnage was fumigated at the landfill along with other debris that was in the immediate vicinity under the immediate supervision of The Department of Environmental Health Services, the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, Royal Bahamas Police Fire Department, and the leadership team of the Sanitation Services. Thirdly, after the fumigation process the incineration was carried out of the dunnage; and fourthly, the team identified all bins that were used to transport the dunnage and fumigation of the bins were conducted. The Bahamas Government will pursue this matter to the fullest extent of the law. An investigation is presently underway.

Ship expelled from US waters for being infested with dangerous beetles

Federal agents inspecting the 'Pan Jasmine'near New Orleans ordered it out of US waters after finding it infested with a type of Asian beetle that has been destroying trees in the U.S. for about 25 years in the wood cargo on July 17, 2021, just after the vessel had anchored in the Mississippi River about a mile downriver from New Orleans. The ship had previously offloaded a shipment of aluminum in Veracruz. Wood used to pack the aluminum had not been offloaded in Mexico and was left scattered on the deck of the 'Pan Jasmine', which appeared unusual to customs agents. The wood was found to have burrowing holes and fresh sawdust. U.S. Department of Agriculture insect specialists identified five pests in the wood, two of them - the beetle and a type of ant - considered serious risks to U.S. crops. The ship was ordered to leave U.S. waters. It departed on July 21 for Freeport for wood disposal services. Report with photo: https://www.nola.com/news/environment/article_37abe0ea-efd3-11eb-9cdf-0bd70d96d2fe.html