The Dominican Republic's agricultural sector is under threat from a new outbreak of the Mediterranean Fly, or Ceratitis capitata, detected in Bávaro and Punta Cana, La Altagracia province. This pest, which can affect over 60 types of crops, has caused concern among the Agricultural Technical Team of the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) and the Abel Martínez Campaign.
They accuse President Luis Abinader's government of concealing information about the pest's presence, suggesting that this secrecy is part of a bid to project an image of stability. The PLD specialists also criticize the government for dismantling a pest surveillance and detention program established during their administration, aimed at safeguarding the nation's agriculture.
They argue that the termination of this program and the firing of over 700 agricultural technicians tasked with protecting the country's borders from pests, has left the Dominican Republic exposed.
Source: dominicantoday.com