ST CATHERINE, Jamaica— Peter McConnell, managing director of Trade Winds Citrus Limited, has strongly refuted claims of environmental harm to the Rio Cobre River while reaffirming the company’s longstanding commitment to protecting the waterway and supporting the local community.

In a press release on Wednesday in response to a planned protest that failed to materialise, McConnell championed Trade Winds as a pioneer in environmental stewardship, achieving compliance with wastewater discharge regulations long before they became law.

“I live in this community, and protecting the Rio Cobre is personal to me,” McConnell stated.

“This river has been a part of my life since I was a boy and my children and grandchildren now enjoy it also; destroying it is the last thing I would do. Trade Winds has a wastewater treatment system that ensures zero discharge into the Rio Cobre. All treated water is used to irrigate our crops,” he added.

He went on to highlight Trade Winds’ proactive approach, including offering its wastewater management solution to other businesses along the Rio Cobre to help them achieve compliance.

McConnell also outlined a series of initiatives to further support the environment and local livelihoods. The company has offered to collaborate with the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) to install monitoring devices along its riverfront property to enable early detection of any pollution.

The release also said Trade Winds would raise fish in its ponds and release them into the Rio Cobre as a goodwill gesture to benefit fisherfolk and help restore fish populations.

“The offer to raise and release fish still stands, but it hasn’t been widely communicated to the public or accepted by some groups,” McConnell noted.

He expressed disappointment at what he called misinformation being spread by protest organisers, suggesting that it did not align with the sentiments of the broader community.

“The fisherfolk we’ve spoken to do not support the claims being made. There was no fish kill, and there’s been no evidence of environmental damage,” McConnell said.

The managing director also dismissed allegations of any secret deal involving Trade Winds Citrus Limited.

“There has been no secret deal or hidden arrangement. Every initiative we’ve proposed – whether it’s installing river monitoring devices or supporting fish restoration – has been transparent, well documented and aligned with national environmental standards. We remain committed to open dialogue and working with all stakeholders to protect the Rio Cobre and support the community”

This follows reports that a court case against Trade Winds Citrus Limited over an oil spill in the Rio Cobre was withdrawn after a confidential agreement was reached between NEPA, Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) and Trade Winds Citrus Limited prior to a court hearing earlier this month.

READ: NEPA reportedly drops prosecution of Trade Winds Citrus oil spill case – Opposition concerned

Responding to concerns that the controversy could harm Trade Winds’ reputation locally and internationally, McConnell remained confident in the quality of the company’s products and its role as a market leader.

He also reiterated that Trade Winds remains open to dialogue with stakeholders, including community members and environmental groups.

“We are a part of this community and will continue to do all we can to protect the Rio Cobre, support local livelihoods, and ensure a sustainable future,” he stated.

He further expressed that Trade Winds’ proactive environmental policies and longstanding community engagement are the clearest evidence of the company’s dedication.

“No one is a greater friend of the Rio Cobre than Trade Winds Citrus Limited and myself,” McConnell stressed.