Veterinarian Dr John Toussaint dismisses allegations that his pig farm is polluting LaPlaine Taberi River

​Meanwhile, Veterinarian Dr John Toussaint dismisses allegations that his pig farm is polluting the LaPlaine Taberi River. The following is the part of the unedited text of Dr Toussaint’s response. “I am Dr. John Toussaint, Veterinarian by profession. I obtained my Doctor in Veterinary Medicine Degree from Cuba in 1985 with honors and Master of Science Degree from Tuskegee, Alabama, USA, specialized in Tropical Animal Medicine/Epidemiology in 1992. I was awarded a scholarship from Tuskegee University, School of Veterinary Medicine to pursue my Doctorate (PhD), as a result of my outstanding academic performance at the University.
 
I am leasing 1.89 acres of land at the LaPlaine Agricultural Station which was formerly used by the Division of Agriculture, to house its pig unit for many years. I began my pig production program on this property from 2006. Dr Toussaint denies that when the employees are bathing, feeding the pigs, and using the hose to wash down the pen, that waste water is going into the river.
 
He said there are certain individuals from the La Plaine community who have embarked on mischief, creating fear among the people to fulfil their personal agendas/objectives. They are saying things like pig s..t floating down the Taberi River, contaminating the water, putting one health at risk, the everyday activities of the river cannot be enjoyed are all valid reasons why people would be sceptical and revolt to get their river back.
 
Dr Toussaint says these allegations are Untrue, Baseless and Malicious, and which just cannot be substantiated by any scientific, visual or tangible evidence. These false rumours have overstretched the limits of tolerance, hence I am prepared to take punitive action for peace of conscience and mind. I want to make it abundantly clear that the existing waste disposal system located on the farm would make it very difficult for pig s..t to reach the Taberi River, far less be floating down stream.
He says “this is the largest and most reliable pig unit in Dominica. We contribute enormously to the national efforts to reduce Dominica’s Food Import Bill by supplying our customers with top quality fresh pork. Many farmers throughout the country depend on the farm for their supply of piglets, boars and gilts to begin their farms or replenish their existing stock.
The farm has made tremendous investments in modern technology to upgrade its production system, to maximize productivity as well as to control environmental pollution. We continue to work with all concern to ensure our customers’ needs as well as prudent environmental responsibility. The newly constructed abattoir depends on this farm and others to be upgraded to sustain its operation.
 
Further, the farm has been selected to participate in a Regional Climate Resilience Project sponsored by the Swedish Government. The project is designed to convert the pig waste into energy. This project will benefit the environment, the La Plaine and neighbouring communities, by providing a cheaper source of energy for domestic purposes, and the farmers with packaged organic fertilizer. The farm is destined to become a training centre for farmers and students.
 
The struggle continues for building a better Dominica.
 
The full text of Dr Toussaint’s response will be aired in its entirety later this morning.