Hillsborough, Carriacou, December 14th, 2009- The Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, led by Senator the Hon. George Prime, has initiated a public relations campaign as part of what is being described as a “proactive and strategic approach’’ for dealing with the islands’ long, dry weather spell. This initiative will include the promotion of the wise use of water. Rainfall in Carriacou and Petite Martinique is down about 50% compared to last year. One consequence is that at least two cattle have died monthly since August. This figure is projected to rise if the scarcity of rainfall worsens. The situation has prompted the convening of two strategy meetings involving Sen. Prime and other senior officials of the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs to look at developing a water strategy for the islands. A survey has also been conducted examining water catchments on the islands, and what remedial repairs need to be done to make them more useable. The Division of Agriculture, which is playing a major role in the initiative to arrest the situation, has developed what is called an “Agriculture Water Shortage Mitigation Plan.’’ One of the recommendations emerging from the plan is for livestock farmers, especially owners of large species, to reduce their livestock population by 40% and small species by 25%. Such a move, Division of Agriculture officials say, would mean that the “carrying capacity base on available feed supply from pastures can be met.’’ The Minister and the Ministry is also appealing for the “collaborative effort of all key stakeholders,’’ especially livestock farmers and persons rearing animals. Their support of the strategy is “invaluable,’’ the officials added. In the coming months, the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs will be embarking on a public relations initiative to inform residents of the details of the “Agriculture Water Shortage Mitigation Plan.’’ By Deanna Isaac, Carriacou & Petite Martinique