The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) wishes to advise the public that two (2) permits and two (2) licences were granted to the National Works Agency (NWA) for the Palisadoes Shoreline Protection Project currently being implemented. The permits and licences issued by the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) are as follows: 

1. Beach Licence for Sea Walls along both sides of the Palisadoes (4km) ending just before the Gun Boat Beach

2. Beach Licence for Coastline Reclamation Works

3. Permit for Wetland Modification (harbour side)

4. Permit for petroleum storage (Pending NRCA review) 

As stated above the permits and licences allow for the construction of coastal protection structures, and associated coastline reclamation.  The project will also be enhanced by the construction of a boardwalk, bicycle track and solar lighting features. 

On September 7, a NEPA monitoring team observed that work had commenced on the site without proper demarcation of the working footprint as stipulated in the conditions, and that a sand dune had been damaged by the contractors. NEPA issued a Stop Order with which NWA complied. NWA and their contractors were instructed to demarcate the working footprint and repair the damaged sand dune. After a site inspection to ensure that the conditions were met, work was allowed to resume on September 10. NWA was also mandated to use the material being cleared to create sand dunes in other areas outside of the working footprint. 

NEPA is refuting statements that various endemic plants have been destroyed during the current construction work along the Palisadoes Strip. Survey assessments along the path of the footprint revealed that there was only one endemic plant in that area – Opuntia tuna, a cactus. The plant was relocated with the assistance of the University of the West Indies/Port Royal Marine Laboratory under NEPA’s supervision. The other plants impacted by the construction are common shrubs which will be replanted on the dunes at the end of the project.   

In collaboration with the NWA and the Ministry of Transport and Works a public meeting will be held, at a date to be announced later, to discuss the scope of the project with interested stakeholders. NEPA is assuring the public that rigorous monitoring has been implemented to ensure that NWA and its contractors comply with the conditions of the permits and licences. 

Mr. Peter Knight, the Chief Executive Officer of NEPA, has also had discussion with Mr. Phillip Paulwell, the Member of Parliament for the area, and has offered to open all the files for his viewing, and to discuss any concerns he may have.  

The public may also view copies of the permits and licences granted for the project by contacting NEPA.