Port workers not touching container of feathers

Contacted for comment yesterday, Gregory Aboud, manager of Jimmy Aboud, told Newsday that the fumigation did not take place because "they are trying to find a suitable location to do it."

He could not say when the exercise would take place, noting that he was "overseas and out of touch." Aboud said he wanted the fumigation to take place as soon as possible.

An official from the Agriculture Ministry said it was ready to supervise the fumigation as planned and have the feathers returned to China, but a "block" had developed. The official said port workers, supported by the Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union, "are refusing to have anything to do with the container."

The feathers, imported by Jimmy Aboud for Carnival, were barred from being released with other goods in the container as an "extra precautionary" measure by the Agriculture Ministry since China has had an outbreak of bird flu.

The feathers were treated with chemicals and Health Minister John Rahael, who is also acting Agriculture Minister, on Tuesday said no problems were anticipated but the cargo was still being barred.