THE EDITOR, Sir:THE FARQUHARSON Institute of Public Affairs thanks the Northern Jamaica Conservation Association, (NJCA) the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) and others, whose suit enlightened the potential abuse of Jamaican countryside at Pear Tree Bottom, St. Ann.
The island's natural environment, culture and historical heritage are the reasons that foreigners visit us. Unless we manage and protect them, not blinded by the short-term benefits of large investments that ignore environmental impact studies and planning procedures, Jamaica will not reap greater long-term benefits.
UNDER-FUNDED AGENCY
The National Environmental and Planning Agency needs to explain its involvement. It is an under-funded government agency whose staff perhaps should not be blamed for what has been described as a flawed permit. We have heard about corruption in granting government contracts and permits. It is unfair to solely blame this agency when fault also lies with a poorly managed national budget.
We note the permit was issued for phase one (734 rooms) of a planned 1,918 rooms at the Pinero Hotel. The Farquharson Institute urges NJCA and JET to watch with an eagle's eye the permit granting procedure for phases two and three of this project, and for future environmental abuse. The many stone walls in the sea along Jamaica's north coast may retain sand, but damage the coastline's beauty.
Reports from the Dominican Republic say that Pinero Hotel's artificial barriers may have caused silting and death of reef corals, with destruction of mangroves. The Spanish Ambassador to Jamaica, H.E. Jesus Silva, says that much of the coastline at Pear Tree Bottom would be enlarged and restored. But how do you restore virgin nature? And will silting and destruction also occur in Jamaica?
HISTORICAL ARTEFACTS
Some years ago the Jamaica National Heritage Trust helped Dr. Lopez, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, and Spain, to excavate historical artefacts at Seville, St. Ann, - the first European and African settlement in Jamaica. Some of these artefacts were taken for research to Spain, but, despite the Trust's requests, have not been returned, nor have critical important supporting documentation, notes and maps been made available. This raises concerns about recent offers of assistance by the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation to restore areas of Spanish Town.
The Farquharson Institute encourages Jamaicans to carefully oversee our natural, cultural and historical heritage. We are heartened by our environmental organisations' work so far.
We are, etc.,
The Farquharson Institute of Public Affairs
per Ken Jones CD,
