Director of St Thomas Farms Limited, Dr Michelle Charles has defended the company’s proposed aquaculture project in Barking Lodge, St Thomas, following residents’ concerns about the development’s proximity to a primary school.

In a statement issued in response to the concerns surrounding the project, Charles sought to clarify what she described as important facts about the development, stressing that the project is being carried out on private property and in compliance with the requirements of the relevant government authorities and regulatory agencies.

Addressing concerns about the aquaculture ponds being constructed behind Barking Lodge Primary School, Charles said: “We wish to assure parents, staff, and residents that no water will be introduced into these ponds until the perimeter fencing has been completed and the area has been properly secured.”

According to Charles, consultations were held with the school’s principal before construction of the ponds began, and student safety has remained a priority throughout the planning process.

Charles also highlighted what she described as the property owners’ longstanding commitment to the Barking Lodge community. As part of that commitment, she said the owners have indicated they are willing to permanently donate the parcel of land currently used as the Barking Lodge Primary School football field. She said the proposed aquaculture ponds are located beyond the football field, ensuring that the recreational space would remain unaffected.

She argued that the project represents an opportunity to balance community investment with economic development, noting that the aquaculture operation has the potential to generate employment, support local contractors and suppliers, create new business opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs, strengthen Jamaica’s food security, and attract long-term investment to Barking Lodge, New Pera and the wider parish of St Thomas.

Charles described the initiative as having the potential to become one of the first major commercial aquaculture operations on Jamaica’s eastern side. She said responsible investment of this nature could contribute to job creation, skills training, infrastructure improvements and sustained economic growth in an area that has experienced limited commercial development since the decline of the sugar industry.

She also expressed concern that the issue has become increasingly politicised.

“In our view, the focus should not be on opposing lawful development but on ensuring that it proceeds safely, responsibly, and in full compliance with the law,” Charles said.

“The people of Barking Lodge, New Pera, and the wider St Thomas community deserve investment that creates opportunity rather than division,” she added.

St Thomas Eastern Member of Parliament, Rosemarie Shaw is among persons who expressed concerns about the project, noting that her checks with the National Environment and Planning Agency and the St Thomas Municipal Corporation revealed that those agencies were unaware of the development.

(Video by Llewellyn Wynter)