KINGSTON, Jamaica — Shadow Minister of Environment and Climate Resilience Omar Newell has welcomed the National Environment and Planning Agency’s (NEPA) decision to issue an enforcement notice halting construction of fish ponds at Barking Lodge, St Thomas, until the required application is submitted and reviewed.

Newell said NEPA’s action demonstrated the importance of enforcing Jamaica’s environmental and planning laws fairly and consistently.

“This sends an important message that our environmental and planning laws apply equally to everyone, regardless of position or influence. Sustainable development must always take place within the framework of the law, and where citizens raise legitimate concerns, those concerns deserve to be addressed fairly and transparently,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

The Opposition spokesperson recently joined Member of Parliament (MP) for St Thomas Eastern, Yvonne-Rose Shaw, on a visit to Barking Lodge and Old Pera following concerns raised by residents about the development.

Newell said residents highlighted the construction of several fish ponds located near, and in some cases bordering, the playfield used by students of Barking Lodge Primary School.

“Residents expressed concern that the ponds could pose a safety risk to children once operational,” he said.

READ: MP Shaw calls for investigation into Barking Lodge fish pond development

The project’s developer, Director of St Thomas Farms Limited Dr Michelle Charles, previously defended the development, stating that the work was being undertaken on private property and in keeping with requirements from relevant government authorities and regulatory agencies.

READ: WATCH: Charles defends Barking Lodge aquaculture project, addresses safety concerns

However, Newell said NEPA has since confirmed that no approvals had been granted for the project.

“Following inquiries by Shaw, NEPA confirmed that no approvals had been granted for the development, despite public claims that the necessary permits had been obtained. This week, the agency served an enforcement notice requiring all work to cease until the appropriate application is submitted and considered,” he said.

Newell said the visit also brought renewed attention to another long-standing community issue.

“Residents reported that a fence and gate have been erected across a pathway that has provided public access to the beach for decades, restricting a route traditionally used by generations of families,” the shadow minister said.

Newell said that while the environmental matter is now before the relevant authorities, legal consultations are underway regarding public access to the beach.

“Access to our beaches is a matter of significant public interest. We are consulting with attorneys to determine the legal options available to protect the rights the people of Barking Lodge and Old Pera have enjoyed for generations. Development must respect both our environmental laws and the rights of the communities in which it takes place,” he added.

Newell reaffirmed his commitment to working alongside MP Shaw and the people of St Thomas to ensure that development proceeds responsibly, safely and in accordance with the law while protecting the interests of local communities.