At a press conference today (June 4th) Minister Daniel said it is of great concern and regret that they were informed on May 31st by the Global Plant Health Clinic at the Commonwealth Biological Institute in the United Kingdom that a bacteria that causes Moko disease in Bananas was found on samples received from St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He said it has been quite some time now that farmers, farmers' representatives and others concerned have been raising questions about the disease in bananas.

Minister Daniel said having received such information he will now notify all local, regional and international collaborating institutions and ministers of Agriculture in countries in which St. Vincent and the Grenadines trade. He will also put measures in place for the management of infected plants and plant products he saids. According to Minister Daniel the Moko disease is a serious and problematic disease to control and eradicate. "The government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has pledged its unwavering support to finance a control programme which will cost approximately 490,000.00 he said.

According to Minister Daniel, government will also provide compensation to farmers that are affected by the Moko disease at an estimated cost of approximately EC 1.6 million dollars. Government will also make provision to finance a comprehensive banana re-planting and rehabilitation programme at an estimated cost of EC1.5 million dollars.

Farmers who are affected by the Moko disease can apply for new lands under the land bank programme now established by government.

Effective today five teams comprised of thirty-three people commenced a comprehensive national programme which will last for 6-8 weeks in affected areas - Richland Park, Vermont, Spring Village, Mt Pleasant and Farm Mountain.

The Moko disease is presently found in Jamaica, Trinidad, Grenada and Guyana and affects bananas, plantains, and bluggoe.