Opposition Spokesperson on Land, Environment and Climate Change, Senator Sophia Frazer-Binns has decried the Government for what she said was its failure to honour it commitment to protect the environment, pointing especially to the destruction of mangroves and other protected areas during the hurricane season.

In a statement from the People’s National Party (PNP), Frazer-Binns pointed to recent allegations that the National Water Commission (NWC) was responsible for the removal of mangroves within the Palisadoes Port Royal Protected Area, and argued that it represented the inconsistency between the Government’s promise to protect and preserve the
environment and the actions of state agencies.

“The removal of the mangroves by the NWC is particularly disheartening as the NWC is an agent of the State and should be aware of the impact of the destruction of mangroves on the environment. Any damage to our protected mangroves is a major threat to the coastal environment especially during such an active hurricane season,” Frazer-Binns said.

In addition to the destruction of mangroves in the Palisadoes Area, she said there have been further reports of the removal of mangroves in Trelawny to facilitate the expansion of Falmouth.

Frazer-Binns is calling on the Government to desist from undertaking any further activities which are likely to impact the environment until a thorough study has been done and realistic proposals and measures have been taken to ensure there is the balancing of development and environment protection.

“We simply cannot continue like this. It’s destructive, disheartening and deleterious to our environment. Destroying mangroves will leave areas of the island open to damaging waves, floods and storm surge. Mangroves are indispensable as they provide sanctuary for many species, store carbon and protect against flood damage. In fact, mangroves are crucial in reducing the negative impact of climate change,” she said.

As the country continues to experience the 2021 hurricane season, the PNP said the country requires a renewed effort to protect and rehabilitate mangrove ecosystems that safeguard the livelihoods of coastal communities across Jamaica.

The Opposition therefore calls on the Forestry Department and the National Environment and Planning Agency to investigate these reports and actions and impose the necessary fines.

Finally, as a show of contrition, Frazer-Binns recommended that the NWC commence a programme for the replanting of mangroves across the island.