Saint Lucia is taking concrete steps to prevent the dreaded Tropical Race 4 (TR4) disease from reaching its shores. Ministry of Agriculture personnel have formulated a Task Force to help safeguard the country's banana industry from the effects of the Fusarium wilt, commonly known as the Tropical Race 4 (TR4) disease. The department is in the process of stimulating and strengthening awareness about Tropical Race 4.

Though the fungus has not been detected on local shores or in other regional territories, local authorities are greatly concerned about the potential threat that can negatively impact the longevity of the banana industry. TR4 has been detected in the countries of Latin America.

Winston Elliot, Chair of the Communications Committee in the Ministry of Agriculture: "We are putting measures in place to ensure that we prevent it (TR4) from entering our shores. There is a Task Force and there is actually a Communications Committee that is responsible for doing (implementing) heightened and sustained awareness programs.”

Source - https://www.freshplaza.com