A development policy that disrespects NATURE (the environment) and history is doomed to failure.
At this point in the evolution of man, we have come to realise that we share one planet, MOTHER EARTH, and to protect it has become an existential necessity – hence the global awareness of the need to work in harmony with our environment, and in so doing to be informed by history as to where we have erred in the past in order to improve in moving “forward”.
This policy of protection and enhancement (of the environment) has become the guiding light for policy-makers and enlightened politicians in most countries of the world. In our country however, it has been observed that every convention enacted by the United Nations has been acceded to by Grenada, in order to obtain the grants which goes with the execution, or to be able to access soft loans. A quid pro quo, if you will.
On investigation, it has been seen that hardly any of the conditions of these conventions are being observed by Grenada. One such, is the Convention on WETLANDS of international importance especially for Water Fowl Habitat of which until recently, La Sagesse was one. On 22 September 2012, Grenada among 171 countries acceded to this convention. “The Convention on WETLANDS is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the format for national action and international co-operation.”
To add to this deception, it is on public record that the operator of the SIX SENSES hotel brand to be constructed at La Sagesse, St David has identified itself as a friend of the environment, which can be seen on its website and has boasted about as observed on previous projects in other parts of the Caribbean. ([email protected]) states, “For us, being environmentally friendly and socially can be successfully wedded to uncompromisingly gorgeous hideaways, empty of waste, toxins and plastic; full of spirituality celebration and joy.”
In Grenada however, there always seem to be a conflict between the building permission given to large projects by the Physical Planning Unit (PPU) and what is expected as good practices and the adherence to the building laws of Grenada. This anomaly is patently obvious in the site preparation of this project – where the entire area has been denuded and laid bare of its natural cover and in so doing has completely destroyed the ECOSYSTEM: the nesting ground for the local bird community, the waterfowl habitat, the insect life, the mangrove and the indigenous flora and fauna of PURE GRENADA. This is development – “Grenadian Style” the consequence of which we would pay dearly, as the neocolonialists take control.
Physical Planning and Development Control Act #25 of 2002, Amended Act #30 of 2002 and # 24 of 2008, Section 19 (1) states:
“Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary but subject to Section 21, no person may commence or carry out the development of any land in Grenada without the prior written permission of the Authority”. It is assumed therefore, that Range Developers received building approval to commence the project. It must also be emphasised that before commencement of such a project an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study must be done as required by law in order to analyse the pros and cons or the viability of the development. If this was done the PPU must produce this document for public scrutiny, if it was not done the reason for this exemption must also be explained by the PPU.
This type of developmental process has become the subject of national concern, as project after project, the Molinere Road disaster at the top of the list which remains unattended while it further deteriorates, now a hotel project that the government raves about, has shown scant respect for the local environment as we take one step forward and four steps backward, in providing for the locals low paying construction jobs. Perhaps the last plane load of Chinese who visited under the cloak of darkness may be the next major “shock” or did someone say “virus” to hit poor Grenada.
A Willie Redhead Foundation Presentation
Good said. I cannot find words to say. I want to cry, I want to vomit. How could the government allow this to happen? They don’t care about our environment whatsoever that they destroy. The natural protection of our coastline etc. Just have the investors to come grenada to put up new hotels. It is a disgrace. Money talks and make people stupid even thou they said PM Keith Mitchell is smart maybe smart in his own way but is not smart at all. It’s all about the money in his pocket and shared with his …you know who. CBI need to be stopped. Grenad will be spoiled very soon and is getting there. Grenadians need to to come together locally and internationally to stopped these projects and destroy our natural environment/habitat. Isn’t Grenada a Democratic island. Don’t we have a say to protect our land. It’s not always about money Prime minister Keith Mitchell. Protection our land should be your priority. Not abiding the rules these developers should be fine millions of dollars.
Maybe it’s time to file a petition with Change.org so people all over could sign to stopped the destruction of or land. When a group of voices all over come together as one we can make a difference.
Government of Grenada please stopped this! Pure Grenada is not Pure Grenada. Maybe this Logo need to be removed.
Our trees are there for a purpose. Lots of purposes….Don’t you your need oxygen to breed Prime Minister!
Grenadians let start planting our own produce. We have great solid. Use natural fertilizer and not chemical imported ones. I know gardening is not an easy task but one step at a time little by little. Tourism is great but what is going on would I promote that to people as it not the same not Pure. It is surely getting spoiled.
The agriculture industry needs to promoted and worked at. The government dont care too much about that sector. They can export so many produce.
Well said all and troubling,very.we can no longer afford to shake our heads ruefully and do zllch.it is our land our home one word.past examples at la Sagesse spring to mind.Developets and would be developers CBi citizens ,all must be made to respect the environment.If the GOG fails to protect the public weal then we the people must.we have an obligation to ourselves our childten,the yet unbor.n.
The blatant destruction of LA SAGESSE is pure and simple a SIN. No one, no one, with any speck of intelligence would have approved the destruction of the mangroves and salt pond much less those who CLAIM to have done an environmental study of the site. Any average person with a love for nature knows that site was precious and vital to the wellbeing of not only the wildlife, flora and fauna that existed there but for the people of Grenada. The mangroves were your refuge from storms they protected the coastline. The reason any of us went to La Sagesse was the peace, quiet and to see nature in its true glory.
The destruction of this Nature Preserve does not just affect the wildlife while it sheltered in Grenada. Many migratory birds come this far to nest. These birds also belong to the many countries they travel from. By destroying their natural breeding grounds you usurp the rights of the other countries to the healthy return of these birds.
The Leatherback turtles who nest on Levera also are not Grenada’s alone. These majestic turtles travel all the way north to Canada as has been shown by the tracking devices planted on them to track where they travel. Therefore, what Grenada does to the Leatherback turtles and their environments has consequences in Canada as we share the care and nurture of them.
Originally I came to Grenada BECAUSE it WAS NOT overdeveloped. Here I found PRISTINE BEACHES untouched by concrete hotels and the filth they create. I found natural jungle / rainforest along Grand Anse Beach reminiscent of the original untouched island. Locals told me that some of the palms destroyed for Silver Sands must be over 100 years old as they were very tall when they were children and now at 85 years old these same trees remained. The biggest asset this island has ever had was its environment, its natural unspoiled beauty these are the things that consistently are talked about when mentioning Grenada. Now, however, the topic is the “jail of concrete” that has replaced the once charming Flamboyant cottages and hotel, the total destruction of the beach at the construction site. WAKE UP GRENANA !!! You are slowly committing suicide with allowing this government to take the money and eventually run. No one who truly loves this island would condone the tradeoff of clean water, clean air, no mud slides and beauty and bounty for what we are now seeing.
Very sad indeed! However from my recent observations where planning is concerned I ask who is granting permission as certainly the environment and preservation are not priorities. The politicians are destroying our island all in the name of development. I wonder about the bribes!!!
Oh LaSagesse. What did we just do…
It’s a concrete jungle they want to make Grenada into. This is so nauseating! The land in Grenada is groaning! Protect the little island! Stop and think before you act! I am getting disappointed with this governing. I’m not hearing of building the Agriculture industry, but only a set of big buildings…. Right now, is food that is really essential, not the concrete buildings ….
The same company did kipimski project in Dominica in wetlands where the birds and fish lay to regenerate. It’s a sad day in the Caribbean our leaders selling the people out for 30 peices of silver these men lack vision to build the region so the sons and daughters can live a decent life. Most of our leaders have turn to begging and stealing the people’s dreams.
Very well said. I have a few questions though I don’t know to whom they should be directed. Who in Grenada is responsible for making decisions regarding environmental issues? Secondly who really is running Grenada. And what benefit is being received for selling out the island in, the name of development? Finally what is the Grenada government definition of development?
For the want of a nail a shoe was lost.
For the want of a shoe a horse was lost
For the want of a horse a rider was lost
For the want of a rider a battle was lost
For the want of a battle a kingdom was lost
ALL FOR THE WANT OF A HORSE SHOE NAIL
Or a small habitat for migrating birds