Regrettable remarks in Blue Lagoon story
Dear Editor,
I refer to your coverage of the Blue Lagoon in Portland in the May 15 Sunday Observer. While I applaud you for giving exposure to this issue, it is disappointing that you gave such prominence to the regrettable remarks of Mr Bell.
I also applaud Diana McCaulay and JET for bringing this issue of the approval process and its inconsistencies into the light. There must be firm policies established that are adhered to. NRCA should be required to explain exactly why they reversed their original denial – which was the right decision, environmentally speaking.
How can any seafront “development” project be approved without an EIA being required, especially at such a unique treasure as the site of the Blue Lagoon? Has the developer been penalised for all the listed violations/non-compliances/breaches?
As John Lamey pointed out, there is a long-standing environmental protection group in Portland (PEPA) that should be used as a consultation resource for all development projects in the parish. PEPA was not informed or aware of this project until it was already there!
Mr Bell is quite mistaken in his accusations. First, I have been visiting this site for 30+ years. I never saw anything remotely resembling a “beach” at the site of this new construction. There was vegetation there, down to the water line, the same as all around the lagoon. Second, his suggestion that JET is anti-development and racist is a ludicrous “weapon” of mass distraction! The property owner owns the land, but never the water. JET is concerned with making certain that any development that occurs is respectful of the valuable environmental treasures we are blessed with. These treasures belong to all Jamaicans, not just the handful of wealthy landowners. JET is here to protect these places for all Jamaicans as well as visitors.
Although there are many people who do not yet understand or respect our environment, its protection is vital for our own healthful survival, as well as its value in attracting visitors.
Naomi Zuckerman
Portland
rootswoman@live.com
