Government of Saint Lucia

Go to Homepage

[Feedback]

[Site Map]

[Contact Us]

Search this Site


Sand mining again cause for concern


Governor General
Prime Minister
The Cabinet
The Senate
House of Assembly
St. Lucia Ambassadors
The Constitution
The Staff Orders

National Television Network
Watch NTN Live

CARICOM 26
INTERNET FIESTA
Saint Lucia Gazette
Press Releases
Speeches
Features
Notices
Vacancies
Bursaries/Scholarships
About Saint Lucia
Frequently Asked Questions
Web Links
Government Directory
Browse by Agency
Site Help

Wednesday, May 9, 2007 – Saint Lucians are again being reminded of the detrimental effects of indiscriminate sand mining on some of the island's remote eco-sensitive beaches.

Grand Anse and Petite Anse beaches on the island's north eastern coast are two of the beaches that have been constantly affected by this illegal activity.

During a visit to the two beaches last weekend Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Physical Development Marcia Philbert-Jules said if not curtailed, the practice will have devastating consequences on the island's own sustainability.

“It means that in any storm event the sea will move its way inward and whereas in this case there are no persons living within the immediate area or there is no established form of agriculture or anything like that, its relatively arid lands, there is however, a clear demonstration to all of what can happen if we allow this sort of indiscriminate activity to take place.” she said.

Jules said her Ministry and other agencies will continue monitoring activities on the nation's beaches to prevent the spread of sand mining.

“ I think it is a picture to be seen by all which can be used as an educational tool to help people come to grips with the reality of the implications of this type of activity and we most certainly will be following up with various government departments that have responsibility for monitoring this type of activity so something can be done to prevent it spreading to other areas,” she added.

The indiscriminate sand mining is also having an effect on the bio-diversity of the area with turtle and iguana nestlings being disrupted by vehicles during these illicit activities.


Home ] Up ] [Site Help]

© 2007 Government Information Service. All rights reserved.

Read our privacy guidelines.