Gov’t Moving To Strengthen Protection Of Sand Dunes

The Government will be moving to provide greater protection for the sand dunes in the Great Bay area in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, and along the southern corridor of the island.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator the Hon. Matthew Samuda, made the disclosure while addressing a virtual post-Cabinet media briefing on Wednesday (February 23).

He said that Prime Minister, the Most Hon, Andrew Holness, has instructed that steps should be taken to examine the legal framework relative to the protection of the area.

“These sand dunes would’ve been formed some 5,000 years ago and we believe they warrant the protection under the environmental laws of Jamaica,” he said.

Minister Samuda noted that sand dunes play a crucial role in protecting beaches, coastlines, and coastal developments from natural hazards such as storm surges, erosion, and coastal flooding.

They also provide an important ecological habitat and act as sand storage areas that can supply material for eroded beaches.

Meanwhile, Minister Samuda informed that an enforcement notice and cessation order have been served in relation to the illegal mining of sand dunes in Great Bay.

He assured the residents that the Government “will be taking steps to ensure that the area is rehabilitated appropriately” and appropriate action taken to deter further illegal sand mining.

“We know that the issue of sand mining, in particular, has been of concern to citizens for a long time and we intend to work diligently to strengthen the laws that are related to this space as well as to ensure that enforcement keeps pace,” he said.

Senator Samuda encouraged residents to bring matters of environmental concern to the attention of the authorities.

“We need you to be our eyes and ears. When matters of this nature are brought to our attention, we will take the strongest action possible within the law,” he said.

Minister Samuda led a multi-agency team to Great Bay on Saturday (February 19) to look at the extent of damage to sand dunes in the area.

The team comprised 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 followed a joint site inspection by NEPA, and the Commissioner of Mines.