Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator the Hon. Matthew Samuda, is to lead a multi-agency team to Great Bay in St. Elizabeth, on Saturday February 19, 2022, to review the extent of damage to sand dunes in the area, following confirmed reports of illegal sand mining, and to engage local stakeholders on the ground.

The team will comprise high level officials from the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), the Mines and Geology Division of the Ministry of Transport and Mining, and the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation.

The visit on Saturday, follows a joint site inspection of Great Bay in the parish, by the NEPA, and the Commissioner of Mines on Wednesday.

“The removal of the sand would have necessitated the issuance of an Environmental Permit under the Natural Resources and Conservation (NRCA) Act.  However, no mining license nor environmental permit was issued for the area where mining occurred.”  

He emphasised that, “stemming from today’s visit the NEPA will be taking enforcement action for this illegal activity. Further, the operator of the facility was given instructions to desist from carrying out this practice until the matter is clarified.”

The Minister added he fully intends to update the Cabinet on the matter, and that the full extent of the law would be brought to bear against any operator found to be removing sand illegally.