The People’s National Party (PNP) has reiterated its criticism of the Government for taking what it considers “the retrograde step” of placing the Environment and Climate Change portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation.

In a statement today, Senator Sophia Frazer-Binns, opposition spokesperson on land, environment and climate change, called for the Government to establish a specific ministry for the portfolio.

“As a small island developing state, Jamaica is already feeling the adverse effects of climate change. The Opposition believes that putting the environment portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth is a retrograde step, especially given the track record of the prime minister and the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA),” Frazer-Binns said in comments echoing the stance put forward earlier this week by Opposition Leader Mark Golding.

“The historical evidence speaks for itself. Whenever there is a conflicting decision to be made, the prime minister decides in favour of the economy, often at great peril to the environment.”

Frazer-Binns said this was particularly troubling considering the promise by the prime minister to place greater emphasis on environmental protection and the effects of climate change.

“We cannot continue to sacrifice the environment for economic growth. What we need is a balanced approach to economic growth and environmental protection,” she argued.

Frazer-Binns noted the recent decisions such as SML173,  Duncan’s Bay, Bernard Lodge and Bengal Development Limited, which she said highlighted the Government’s lack of regard for the environment.

“These short-sighted decisions will have long-term and devastating consequences for the environment. The Opposition believes in sustainable development where economic decisions are driven by environmental analysis. However, based on the actions of the prime minister in these matters, we are convinced that the Minister of Economic Growth has a serious conflict and therefore cannot be the Minister with responsibility for the Environment.”

In the meantime, the Opposition spokesperson noted that none of the ministries named include the Land portfolio, which it said was a critical asset and must be managed properly.

“Too many Jamaicans are unable to access land and become landowners. In order to achieve maximum land ownership; a  ministry that can focus on those important matters is necessary,” said Frazer-Binns.

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