ST CATHERINE, Jamaica. Attorney-at-law Dr Marcus Goffe has welcomed Monday’s court ruling against bauxite company UC Rusal over a 2019 pollution incident in the Rio Cobre, while arguing that the $100,000 fine falls far short of reflecting the damage done to the river.
Senior Parish Court Judge Desiree Alleyne ruled in the St Catherine Parish Court that a case had been made out against the company. UC Rusal was fined $100,000, ordered to pay by November 16, and given 14 days to appeal.
The case stemmed from an incident between October 16 and 19, 2019, when trade effluent from the Windalco plant overflowed into the Rio Cobre, causing a significant fish kill. The National Environment and Planning Agency brought charges under Section 11 of the Wildlife Protection Act, and the prosecution was later taken over and completed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Although the act has since been amended to allow a maximum penalty of $5 million, the judge was bound to impose the $100,000 maximum that applied in 2019.
Goffe said the conviction of a multinational company sets a precedent, adding: “I trust that it is a starting point, as environmental breaches are serious acts of violation.” The verdict was also welcomed by Kesonord Gordon, president of the citizens’ group Friends of the Rio Cobre.
— LRTVS News Desk
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