Tag: genetically modified mosquito
Judge calls for ‘rigorous monitoring’ of GM mosquito release
(CNS): Justice Ingrid Mangatal called on the local authorities to ensure ongoing “rigorous monitoring and independent evaluation” of the genetically modified mosquito project as well as “earnest” public outreach after she cleared the way Tuesday for the release of millions of bio-engineered bugs in West Bay. In the written ruling, which was released yesterday, the […]
Stay lifted paving way for GM mosquito release
(CNS): The Mosquito Research and Control Unit has been given the greenlight by the court to begin the controversial release of the genetically modified bio-engineered Aedes aegypti mosquitoes after Justice Ingrid Mangatal lifted the stay on the project. Kerrie Cox, the lawyer representing the local activists trying to halt the project until an independent risk […]
Judge rejects anti-GM mozzie application
(CNS): Justice Ingrid Mangatal has rejected the application by local activists to overturn a decision of the National Conservation Council regarding the controversial release of millions of genetically engineered mosquitoes in West Bay. However, this does not mean the bio-engineered bugs will be released in the Cayman Islands just yet. In the absence of her […]
GM mosquito release approval ‘flawed’ argues QC
(CNS): The decision by the National Conservation Council to grant the Mosquito Research and Control Unit a permit approving the release of millions of genetically modified mosquitoes as part of a pilot project in West Bay was flawed and should be quashed, a lawyer representing local activists argued Tuesday. Stephen Tromans QC told the court […]
Health concerns rise with 3rd Zika case
(CNS): With three cases of the Zika virus now confirmed in the Cayman Islands, the delay in the planned release of bio-engineered mosquitoes to control the Aedes aegypti has fueled public health concerns. The release set for last Thursday was deferred when activists objecting to the proposed project to try and eliminate the invasive species […]
75,000 GM mosquitoes destroyed
(CNS): A batch of genetically engineered mosquitoes reared specifically for release yesterday have been destroyed. A last minute application to the court by a group of local activists managed to put a temporary stop on the planned release of the GM Aedes aegypti bio-engineered by the UK-based company, Oxitec, in partnership with the Mosquito Research and […]
Activists delay planned release of GM mosquitoes
(CNS): A group of local activists in West Bay who are opposed to the planned release of genetically modified mosquitoes in the district have managed to delay the start of the project which was due to get underway Thursday. The group aimed to highlight concerns about the failure to properly consult the public and the […]
GM mosquito release to begin next week
(CNS): Officials from the Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) have confirmed that the release of genetically modified mosquitoes will begin in West Bay next Thursday. The controversial project to try to eradicate the Aedes aegypti mosquito using sterile males bio-engineered by the UK-based firm, Oxitec, has met with some community opposition but the government […]
Scientists hit back at anti-GM mosquito claims
(CNS): As suspicions continue about the planned release of millions of genetically modified mosquitoes in a pilot project aimed at eradicating the invasive, disease-spreading Aedes aegypti, the MRCU and their partners in the project, the UK-based bio-technology firm Oxitec, have insisted the release is safe and that the recent adverts taken out by those opposing the project in the […]
GM insect release will go ahead, says premier
(CNS): The first planned release of millions of genetically engineered mosquitoes in West Bay by a UK bio-technology firm will not be stopped, Premier Alden McLaughlin has confirmed. In a letter responding to a request from the opposition leader to put the release on hold until “scientific questions” have been answered, McLaughlin has told McKeeva […]
Petition launched to stop release of GM mosquitoes
(CNS): A group of concerned Caymanians has launched an online petition calling for the suspension of the planned release in West Bay of genetically modified mosquitoes. The group believes Caymanians are being used as “lab rats” in the pilot project by the UK-based bio-technology firm Oxitec. The Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) has partnered […]
