Cow-itch causing problems in St. George

Concern has been raised about a stretch of land running parallel to the Barbados Broadcasting Service Ltd. (BBS) radio station located at Astoria, St. George, which contains an alarming amount of cow-itch vines, now brimming with the menacing golden to dark brown mature pods that erupt during the dry season, causing intense itching to everyone in close proximity.

It is alleged that Chairman of the National Sports Council (NSC), Michael Power is responsible for the acres of land containing the cow-itch plants, which pose a threat to residents in an around the properties close to the BBS, owned by The Honourable Anthony T. Bryan, Barbados Advocate publisher and chairman. The cow-itch that is nestled in the overgrown bush on the land, can also cause headaches for those residents in the neighbouring community, who reside downwind of it.

The matter has been ongoing for some time now, to the displeasure of residents in the area. As such, The Honourable Anthony. T. Bryan says it is high time that this cow-itch problem is addressed. He wants those responsible for the land, who have the requisite power, to take immediate steps to clear it and clean it.

Of late, Barbadians on a whole have been crying out for relief from the ill effects of overgrown lots across local communities. Late last year, as if to answer their cries, the Government of Barbados went to Parliament seeking approval for $3.1 million for its annual de-bushing programme, which would see Government cleaning a number of overgrown lots and sending the bill to landowners.