In response to the alarming rise in dengue cases in Woodland, Edward Moodie, the president of the South Oropouche Riverine Flood Action Group (SORFAG), has proposed a unique solution to tackle the mosquito infestation in the area. By reintroducing predatory animal species into the lagoons, Moodie aims to disrupt mosquito breeding and curb the spread of the disease.

During a visit to Woodland, it was evident that the mosquito population had skyrocketed, putting hundreds of residents at risk of contracting dengue fever. In the Pluck Road area alone, nearly half a dozen cases of dengue had been diagnosed, with twice as many individuals exhibiting symptoms but not yet formally determined.

One concerned resident, Tara Jaglal, expressed fear for her eight-year-old granddaughter, who had recently developed a high fever and headaches. In an attempt to combat dengue, she resorted to preparing a traditional remedy using pawpaw leaves, commonly used in alternative medicine.

Residents of Woodland have long battled mosquito infestations during the rainy season, but many believe that this year has been exceptionally worse. Measures such as keeping doors closed day and night, using mosquito coils, and applying insect repellents have become daily routines.

Despite attempts by residents to protect themselves, it is evident that the current methods are not enough to mitigate the dengue outbreak. Several cases have emerged in Tennant Trace and Pluck Road, raising concerns among locals.

Regrettably, mosquito spraying in the area has been inadequate, according to residents who claimed they had not benefitted from the efforts of the Siparia Regional Corporation or the Ministry of Health's Insect Vector Control Division.

To address the worsening situation, Moodie revealed his plan to reintroduce predatory species, such as cascadura fish, into the lagoons of Woodland. By doing so, he hopes to disrupt mosquito breeding and ultimately reduce the dengue threat.

Moodie intends to rear and breed 10,000 cascadura fingerlings and reintroduce them into the swampy areas most affected by the influx of saltwater from last year's floods. This initiative, backed by local farmers, is estimated to take four to six months to take hold.

The activist is also seeking funding of approximately $30,000 to support the project. He believes that if government agencies can conduct short-term spraying in the wetlands, in combination with the reintroduction of predatory species and increased education on sustainable practices, the mosquito population and dengue threat can be significantly reduced in the medium to long term.

Moodie's ambitious plan does not only aim to combat the dengue outbreak but also hopes to revive the struggling cascadura fishing industry in Woodland. By revitalizing the local ecosystem and promoting ecotourism, he envisions a sustainable and climate-resilient future for the community.

With 190 confirmed dengue cases and two reported fatalities across Trinidad and Tobago, the urgency to curb the spread of the disease cannot be overstated. The proposed plan, if successful, could provide a holistic approach to tackle the mosquito-borne illness and bring relief to the affected communities.