Once again the government of Jamaica has been alerted to the imminent passage of a shipment of vitrified, high level radioactive material from France to Japan, through the caribbean sea. Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade
Press Release
STATEMENT BY THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
AND FOREIGN TRADE OF JAMAICA ON THE IMMINENT SHIPMENT OF
RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL THROUGH THE CARIBBEANJamaica, 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 transhipment route for hazardous nuclear material, given the multiple environmental risks posed. Our concern is heightened by the fact that our 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 this 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 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.
1998 January 23
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