Questions about Mammee River Development Project

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) has noted that land clearance on the site of the proposed Mammee River Development Project has begun. Two environment permits and one environmental licence were approved by the Natural Resources Conservation Authority on May 21 and July 16.

After reviewing the environment permit for subdivision and housing at Mammee Bay, St Ann, by China Harbour Engineering Company Limited, dated June 20, we note that the environmental impact assessment (EIA) on the National Environment and Planning Agency’s (NEPA) website is dated November 2023 and marked ‘Final’, but the public consultation took place in January, with comments submitted afterwards. Was an addendum or revision done for the EIA after the public meeting and receipt of all the comments before the granting of the permit?

The permit mentions the Mammee River Development Master Plan and the Report of Water Supply proposed Mammee Bay Development. Only the master plan is mentioned in the EIA. Were these documents circulated to the public and discussed at the January 2024 public meeting?

There were many concerns raised about this project by various groups and individuals, and JET has again written to NEPA outlining these and other issues. Although there was significant opposition, there has been no response to the public concerns. The public therefore has no way of knowing which, if any, of these concerns were taken on board by decision-makers before the permit was granted.

This area is part of an important watershed with a healthy secondary forest. This ill-conceived development will result in the loss of large tracts of forest, displacement of several endemic species, potentially cause or exacerbate flooding, potentially damage important heritage features, and significantly increase traffic in the area, among many other concerns.

We request that land clearance be halted, and the permits placed on hold until public concerns are addressed and all relevant documents are made publicly available.

JAMAICA ENVIRONMENT TRUST