Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer
Garfield Smith at the helm of his patrol boat.
WESTERN BUREAU: UP TO two years ago Garfield Smith would sail the Black River pointing out the sights -- including crocodiles -- to the curious.
Today, he sets out with a different purpose.
He scouts the river three times daily to prevent damage to the flora and fauna it supports.
"I used to be a tour guide. About two years ago I switched over to this job with the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (NRCA)," he said.
He goes as far as Maggotty in St. Elizabeth on his patrols, which last up to three hours. He does not speed, as this is one of the infringements he has to look out for.
"When you speed, the wake erodes the soil on the banks, so we warn the tour operators about this," he said.
Some of these operators are his friends and former colleagues.
"At first they used to take it as a joke, but when I assert the authority they realise that I am serious," Mr. Smith said, laughing.
He also keeps an eye out for people who cut the mangrove to burn coal and for other purposes, as well as those who kill or capture endangered species -- again, including crocodiles.
Mr. Smith said he has not had any bad experiences with environmental offenders, but feels that NRCA employees need more power to do the job effectively.
"How people react has a lot to do with how you approach them. But we need to be empowered to do the job better," Mr. Smith said.
The South Coast Resort Board and the Tourism Product Development Company (TDPCo.) assisted in acquiring the patrol boat.
