KINGSTON, Jamaica — Member of Parliament for St Thomas Eastern, Rose Marie Shaw is calling for the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) to urgently investigate the reported construction of fish ponds adjacent to the Barking Lodge Primary and Infant School following widespread complaints from residents of the community.

“The people of Barking Lodge deserve answers, and they deserve to know that developments affecting their community are being carried out lawfully, transparently and with proper regard for their health, safety and quality of life,” said Shaw in a press release on Wednesday.

Shaw said she formally wrote to NEPA requesting an immediate investigation into the development after receiving numerous reports from concerned constituents regarding the construction of an aquaculture facility in close proximity to the school, as well as allegations that public access to the adjoining beach has been obstructed and sections of the public roadway excavated.

She noted that residents have expressed concerns about the potential environmental and public health implications of the proposed development, including possible offensive odours, mosquito breeding, contamination of nearby water sources, increased flooding risks, the attraction of pests, and the suitability of locating such an operation immediately beside a primary and infant school.

She said additional concerns have been raised regarding the reported restriction of public access to the beach and alleged works affecting the public roadway.

“Responsible development is essential to the growth of St Thomas, and I will always support investments that create opportunities for our people. However, development cannot come at the expense of our children, our environment, our public spaces, or the rule of law. Every developer, regardless of who they are, must comply with the laws and regulations that exist to protect our communities,” Shaw said.

According to Shaw in her correspondence to NEPA, she requested that the agency determine whether all statutory approvals, permits and planning permissions have been obtained; whether an Environmental Impact Assessment or other required technical studies were conducted before construction commenced; and whether the reported activities affecting the beach and public road were lawfully authorised.

She has also called on NEPA to take appropriate enforcement action should its investigations reveal any breaches of Jamaica’s environmental or planning laws.

Shaw stressed that her intervention is not intended to oppose development but to ensure that all projects proceed in accordance with Jamaica’s environmental, planning and public health requirements.

“The residents of Barking Lodge have legitimate concerns that deserve to be heard. They should be properly consulted on developments capable of significantly affecting their lives, and the relevant authorities must assure the public that all legal requirements have been satisfied before any project proceeds,” she said.

Shaw said she looks forward to NEPA’s prompt response and comprehensive findings and will continue to advocate for the interests of the people of St Thomas Eastern.