Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade

Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica on the Imminent Shipment of Radioactive Material Through the Caribbean

January 23

Once again the government of Jamaica has been alerted to the imminent passage of a shipment of vitrified, high level radioactive waste from France to Japan, through the Caribbean Sea.

Jamaica, together with our CARICOM partners, will issue a formal protest against this shipment.

We maintain our opposition to the continued use of the Caribbean sea as a transshipment route for hazardous nuclear material, given the multiple environmental risks posed. Our concern is heightened by the fact that the region is highly susceptible to natural disasters and is also subject to dense maritime traffic.

Jamaica, as well as other caribbean nations, remain concerned that the inherently dangerous properties of the material could expose us to irreparable damage. The health and well being of our peoples and the most important aspects of our economy such as tourism, fishing and agriculture and would be jeopardised.

The government therefore urges the countries involved, as well as the international community, to respect the stated positions and concerns of Jamaica and other countries in the region. We also urge those countries to devise appropriate arrangements to avoid transit through the Caribbean Sea.