Dear Minister Hogan
I am very concerned to see that a very substantial quantity of sand is currently being removed from the southern end of Carrs Bay Beach. This area is both environmentally and ecologically sensitive. It contains one of the two remaining egret nesting sites and some the last white mangrove trees in Montserrat. It may be a nesting site for turtles, although they are likely to avoid going there in view of the removal of sand. It is used for recreational purposes and visiting scuba divers.
Moreover, it is share folly to remove sand from this beach given that the hurricane season is a few days’ away. The loss of the sand will greatly exacerbate the erosion of the beach if we have hurricane seas and place the main road abutting the beach at increased risk.
I understand from inquiries made by me that the removal of sand from this area started last year, ostensibly to clear the outlet to the ghaut that empties into the bay. I gather the sand will be sold privately. It is clear, however, that far more sand is being removed than is necessary to accomplish the clearance of the mouth of the ghaut and one has to ask why. If you visit the beach, you will see this for yourself. In any event, it is questionable whether there is any need at all to clear the opening of the ghaut, given that nature is perfectly capable of doing this itself. Instead, this area should remain pristine and no sand whatsoever should be removed from it at any time.
I have been informed that the Fisheries Department authorised the removal of the sand both last year and this year. Is the Fisheries Department authorised to do so? Are you personally aware of the sand removal and did you authorise it?
Under section 77 of the Constitution the Governor is required to approve the disposition of any Crown land, the foreshore being Crown property. I am therefore copying this email to the Governor. I am also copying it to various interested parties, including the Montserrat National Trust, so that hopefully additional representations can be made to you.
I hope that steps can be taken by you today to stop the mining and that the sand that is currently stockpiled at the beach will be returned to it and that sand mining in this area will be stopped permanently.
I look forward to your early reply.
Yours sincerely
Jean Kelsick
