Dear Editor,

The decision by the Andrew Holness-led Administration to scrap the highly controversial billion-dollar Negril Breakwater Project is very commendable and demonstrates the fact that the Government takes environmental protection seriously and is committed to protect Negril’s beaches and its coastlines.

According to media reports the Planning Institute of Jamaica has officially written to president of the Negril Chamber of Commerce, Lee Issa, informing of the Government’s decision to close down and terminate the US$9.95-million project, which was taken by the Cabinet last month. The letter sent to Lee Issa stated: “The Planning Institute of Jamaica, as the national implementing entity to the Adaptation Fund (AF), uses this medium to inform you that last month, the Cabinet approved a recommendation for the termination of Component 1 of the GOJ/AF programme and all related activities….This effectively means that the proposed construction of two submerged breakwater structures, previously identified as part of activities to stem coastal erosion in the Long Bay area of Negril, will not be pursued under this programme.”

The former People’s National Party (PNP) made several mistakes by allowing serious environmental damage to Negril coastline and beaches throughout their tenure in government. The National Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) should never have approved, in 2014, that Negril breakwater project as it would not have been the appropriate way to tackle Negril’s beach erosion problems. Some coastline areas in Negril are eroding at an average of one metre per year and half a meter within the Bloody Bay area. A large part of the problem arises from bad development planning, poor enforcement of environment laws, and lackadaisical supervision and monitoring from the NRCA and Ministry of Environment under the last PNP Administration of Simpson Miller.

The Government and minister with responsibilities for the environment has to collaborate with business leaders and residents within the Negril area to find an appropriate, environmentally safe, and workable solution to effectively tackle the beach erosion problems.

Also, the Roaring River watershed area in Westmoreland is in need of protection from pollution. A comprehensive governmental policy is needed to protect the country’s watersheds and increase fines and penalties for persons who pollute those areas.

Frank L R Manborde

Chairman

Little London and Paul Island Community Development Council

Grange Hill PO, Westmoreland

frankmanborde@mail.com