“Sensitization that is timely and necessary”. This is how Hon. Nazim Burke described the showing of the film Jamaica for Sale while participating in a public forum that was organized by Citizens in Defence of Grenada’s Lands and Heritage (CDGLH). He was one of four panelists who shared perspectives on the film.
Permit us to point out that as citizens and as civic organizations, it is our responsibility to discuss and debate issues of national development. Investments which involve the people’s property, the absence of transparence and accountability in respect of transactions to facilitate these investments and physical development which does not follow approved planning procedures and guidelines are the real issues for those concerned about sustainable and suitable development.
We are not insensitive to the economic situation facing the country or the need for foreign direct investment. Permit us to suggest that it would facilitate public understanding of and buy-in for this project if there was informed discussion on the project. We therefore propose to host a public forum on the Port Louis marina development. In this regard, we are seeking the support and co-operation of your organization.
We also brought to your attention, Sir, the conditions that we understood to be laid down by the Physical Planning Unit to mitigate adverse environmental impacts – the use of “silt traps” and rock abutment. We have noted that excavated material is being used for the backfilling without any of the protective measures being observed.
In Grenada and in our Caribbean region, Sir, many of our decision makers and policy makers who manage our affairs, demonstrate time and time again a failure to differentiate between “caca poule” and egg white. And even when they are aware that it is/could be “caca poule”, they let political expediency determine their decisions.
In respect of “done deals”, lest you forgot, Editor, it was the Prime Minister and his team who promised to review all the questionable contracts that the previous administration made with foreign investors/speculators. A Task Force was set up and the people are patiently awaiting disclosure about these deals. We expect the new administration to honour its commitments and put to rest all speculations and questions about the Port Louis transactions.
We take this opportunity to draw your attention, Hon. Prime Minister, to an interview with Mr. Clyde Rawls of Camper and Nicholson, in the August 2009 issue of the Barnacle paper, page 11. In response to a question from the Barnacle about cottages being constructed on the Lagoon, Mr. Rawls responded as follows, “ No, I’ll never say never. We have no immediate plans,(my emphasis). We own freehold but we haven’t got plans to do anything with it right now_.”_ It is clear, Hon. Prime Minister, that the declarations of Camper and Nicholson are in conflict with the commitments made by yourself in respect of the Lagoon Park and the rights of traditional users.
Fishermen were rather shocked when persons from Camper & Nicholson approached them to remove their boats and advised that the area would be FENCED right up to the sidewalk since Camper & Nicholson OWNED the land. This was repeated by the Manager of Camper & Nicholson, Grenada in a news interview.
It is our view that the Camper and Nicholson marina development project can proceed without interference to the Lagoon Park and the Lagoon shore – either backfilling or fencing. Camper and Nicholson have alternatives available including use of its property or use of a barge to facilitate its construction operations.
It seems to us that there has been a blatant disregard for fishermen, water taxi operators and the community of Lagoon Road-Belmont by all departments of government and statutory bodies charged with making decisions regarding the implementation of the Camper and Nicholson development.
