In a bid to create heightened awareness amongst the public and prevent the introduction of the Tropical Race 4 (TR4) Fusarium Fungus to our shores, Ministry officials from the Plant, Research and Development Division of the Ministry of Agriculture met to discuss a coordinated communication strategy and surveillance process for monitoring the neighboring banana disease.

Stemming from Southeast Asia the disease spread to East Asia, and Africa, and was recently detected in South America (Venezuela) in 2020. The TR4 race of disease is one of the world’s most destructive banana diseases, that can cripple an entire banana sector. 

In addressing the initial forum of prospective officials on June 13, 2023, at the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) conference room, Plant, Research and Development Division Chair for the TR4 Awareness Campaign Committee, Winston Elliott stated that due to the rapid transmission of the Fusarium Fungus proper diagnostic procedures to detect the pathogen at our ports of entry is of paramount importance.

“A large section of our population depends on the banana and plantain industry; therefore, the Ministry must take this proactive approach to prevent the entry of TR4. What you find could happen is that if this pathogen reaches our shores, it could destroy the entire banana and plantain industry. This is why creating awareness to collaborate with the various stakeholders is important,” noted Plant Research and Development Unit Chair for the TR4 Awareness Campaign Committee, Winston Elliott.

The established committee is tasked with developing an effective communication strategy, engaging relevant stakeholders, submitting accurate reports, facilitating the roll-out of mass media communique and liaising with the relevant technical personnel to strengthen and promote TR4 public awareness nationwide.

The Tropical Race 4 disease can be transmitted through infected plant materials and contaminated soil particles attached to items such as farm tools, shoes, clothes, animals, and vehicles. Irrigation and drainage water also plays a critical role in its spread.

Seizing the opportunity, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development Hon. Alfred Prospere stated that beyond focusing on communication strategies effective preventative measures should be reinforced.  

“This disease is as close as Latin America and this disease can likely get to Saint Lucia, so as a result we must put biosecurity measures in place to ensure that we prevent the entry of this disease in Saint Lucia. This is why I am very concerned about this. As a result, we have formed a small committee to commence the sensitization and education of farmers. We must ensure that they are aware of the disease and its impact on the sector. Notwithstanding preventative measures taken into consideration since the disease can be spread via the movement of soil from place to place. We also have people coming from counties where the TR4 currently exists therefore it is extremely easy for the disease to penetrate our shores and so this situation calls for heightened awareness,” remarked Minister for Agriculture Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development.

The gathering focused on raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and tackling the threat of TR4 while safeguarding economic growth and sustainable development in the agricultural sector.

It is estimated that ninety percent (90%) of bananas are consumed in developing countries where the crop accounts for one-fourth of the daily calorie intake of approximately 400 million people.