Dear Editor,

I share the sentiments as Keith Walker as quoted in the Observer on Sunday, May 26, about the crumbling of the quarrying industry in St Thomas: “After 35 years this is the worst I have seen.” The entire parish has been despondent since the cutback in the quarry business as owners and workers alike have been struck with the consequences tailgating the weight station in Harbour View.

It is unfair that the people of St Thomas are being robbed of business because of the restrictions implemented on this side of the island. The new policy has caused persons looking to purchase aggregates to go to the areas operating under a free-for-all basis.

I do hope Minister Davies will look into the petition the quarry owners have signed and will act upon it in full fairness. Minister Davies and Madam Prime Minister, it is hard keeping up with the economy as it is, with the layoffs and salary cuts, and now having to send home more workers.

We support the weight limitations, but it is only fair that all quarries be subject to these rules to level the playing field. Equipment and the necessary machinery to run a quarry is a huge investment for quarry owners, and with the downturn in business there is no turnover coming in from investments. And, as such, owners are struggling to stay apace with monthly overheads and paying the few workers who have been kept on the job.

The downfall has affected a large number of residents, from the quarry owner right down to the food stall operators, because of the loss of business. The economy of the parish of St Thomas and its surroundings are set up on the aggregates industry and business has been withering down since the introduction of the scale.

Every business contributes to the sustenance of the economy and should be given the same treatment and chance to survive. Set up scales in the other areas or discontinue the scale operation in Harbour View until all quarries islandwide share the same restrictions. Equal rights and justice are basic elements to the running of a stable society, and it is time we see our Government standing for this cause.

I hope this petition will have some impact and the cries will be heard before the quarry business on the eastern side of the island bellies up and the livelihood of these communities are crushed by the unfair circumstances on account of our ‘entrusted’ Government.

Donald Morrison

Seaforth,

St Thomas