CDC confirms animal fat dumped at Kingston seawall

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has concluded that reports of crude oil surfacing at the Kingston seashore, Georgetown, is in fact animal fat, following a thorough investigation.
In a statement, the Commission said it responded to reports of suspected crude at the said location. However, an initial assessment revealed that the substance was animal fat that was dumped.
“The assessment team witnessed no crude oil in the area, nor any slick or sheen,” the CDC informed.
Experts indicated that the animal fat is expected to be quickly dispersed by tidal action and waves, and be degraded by bacteria and other living organisms.
Persons are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any observations or impacts to the local authorities or the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 600-7500, operated 24/7 by the Commission.
The National Oil Spill Response Plan was drafted in 2018 by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and further strengthened by a working group which was led by the CDC. Last October, it was handed over to Government and the final plan was developed from comprehensive consultations, reviews, testing and support from national stakeholders. International partners such as the United States Coast Guard and the International Maritime Organisation also played important roles.
This year, the CDC operationalised the National Oil Spill Response Plan (NOSRP) and the National Oil Spill Committee, in mobilising contingency plans and policy direction dealing with the management of national oil spill events.
In August, it was announced that a joint Guyana-Suriname approach to any potential oil spill from oil exploration and production in the Corentyne could be a possibility coming out of the working group that will be led by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo in Suriname.
This is according to President Dr Irfaan Ali, who was asked whether there would be an agreement for Guyana and Suriname to collaborate on any potential oil spill.
“That is why we’re setting up that working group the Vice President would lead. So that we can have a joint analysis of threats, challenges and opportunities. And we can come up with a common strategy. Because we’re also a part of the same forest basin,” President Ali had said.
In light of this, the President pointed out the work the two countries can do. According to the President, “can you imagine if we merge our potential? The type of impact and benefit we can bring to the basin”.