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Chief Executive Officer of the
National Environment and Planning Agency, NEPA, Dr. Leary Myers, is
refuting statements attributed to him which have appeared in
sections of the media over the past two days. In a release issued by
Felicitas Limited, a group of real estate developers in Trelawny,
Dr. Myers is quoted as saying, “we can’t touch this” in relation to
a request to provide assistance concerning the issue of illegal sand
mining in Coral Springs in the parish. News stories on the alleged
statement were broadcast twice by one prominent radio station and an
article was also published in one of the daily morning papers. While
acknowledging that he did indeed speak with Fredrik Moe, a
representative from Felicitas about the issue, Dr. Myers denies that
he made the statement.
Illegal sand mining falls under
the ministry with portfolio responsibility for mining under the
Quarries Control Act. NEPA wrote to the Island Special Constabulary
Force, ISCF, on July 7, 2008 to notify them of reports of illegal
sand mining in the parish of Trelawny. The letter was also copied to
the Mines and Geology Division, the Agency responsible for sand
mining. NEPA will be providing assistance to Mines and Geology
Division and the ISCF in the investigation and enforcement of these
breaches.
NEPA would like to reiterate
its commitment to protecting the country’s natural resources and to
ensure that they are being used in a sustainable manner. The Agency
remains vigilant in its enforcement activities to ensure that all
illegal activities are dealt with under the provisions of the law.
The Agency is also encouraging persons to report all illegal mining
activities so the appropriate action can be taken.
The Agency may be contacted on
its toll-free line at 1-888-991-5005 or at 754-7540.Offences may
also be reported promptly to the nearest police station.
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