The United Workers Party (UWP) – Team Dominica has publicly joined local residents from Concord, the Kalinago Territory, and Marigot, along with environmentalists, geologists, and concerned citizens, in demanding an immediate cessation of what it terms illegal quarrying activities at Deux Branche in Concord.
The party highlighted in a press release that this activity has caused severe environmental and social harm, notably to the Pagua River, which has experienced increased sedimentation. The disruption has adversely affected the livelihoods of Concord residents, impacting their recreational activities, tourism, and food sources, the release said.
It is also noted that the ongoing quarrying operation has not obtained the necessary planning approval, violating the provisions of the Physical Planning Act. Specifically, UWP spells out that Section 17(1) of this legislation prohibits any land development without prior permission from the Development and Planning Authority. The Act explicitly categorizes quarrying as a development activity that requires an environmental impact assessment (EIA), underscoring the importance of compliance.
“The UWP and the people of Dominica are disturbed by this blatant disregard of the Physical Planning Act, in the name of the international airport project and other related developments. As a result, these projects are causing significant negative impacts and stress for residents in the communities from Concord to Woodford Hill,” asserted the UWP.
The group emphasizes the critical importance of conducting environmental impact studies, which analyze the social, ecological, and economic consequences of such projects, and that these studies are essential for identifying potential risks and recommending mitigation strategies. In some cases, an EIA may even determine that a proposed site is unsuitable for development due to the severity of its potential environmental impacts.
Of particular concern is the encroachment of the quarrying activity on the Central Forest Reserve, a protected rainforest established in 1952. This reserve is a vital part of Dominica’s natural heritage, serving as a sanctuary for rare flora and fauna and supporting unique ecosystems. It is safeguarded under multiple legislative frameworks, including the Forests Act, the Forestry and Wildlife Act, the National Parks and Protected Areas Act, and the National Forest Policy of 2022, all aimed at ensuring sustainable management, conservation, watershed protection, and biodiversity preservation.
In conclusion, the release stated, “Once again, the UWP calls on the Roosevelt Skerrit administration to halt this destructive development and seek an alternative site for quarrying in an area where the impact will be significantly
reduced.”
De ignorance is to see people see de issue as UWP against DLP.
In my line of work I have witnessed enough of de Governments ignorance when it comes to multi-million dollar projects.
some people stand for their party before their country……in de end they rob de same country to expose their largesse
time will tell
The government can take any property as long as it is for the benefit of the people.The blue handful of idiots quoting all kinds of act all kinds of law,but they are yet to tell government where to put the quarry.They just bla blaming as if the con stop construction of the airport.
Sometimes I ask myself is Ibo France is a human being or a creature from the black lagoon.This complete JACK is always posting comments about the people,Man Donk the people,the majority of the people are against putting a halt to the quarry.Dominicans know UWP is against the construction of the international airport.Dominicans know you and UWP are against everything in the interest,benefit and development of Dominica.Dominicans know that is so because of GREED and UWP hunger to control the financial purse.I have been voting this party since 1995,it is time this government host enemies of the state and enemies of development responsible.They should be treated as traitors,charged with treason,arrested,convicted and jailed.UWP is against yes we care,NEP,geothermal,cable car,new hospital.marina,stadium,state house,schools,roads,bridges,health centers and more,that bs must stop.The majority of Dominicans will NEVER vote UWP.
Undoubtedly, the Roosevelt led government is the most lawless and corrupt administration in the Caribbean region probably in the western and northern hemispheres.
A good government ALWAYS puts people, especially its citizens first. This regime puts projects, foreigners and its cabinet members first, second and third. The well-being and welfare of the people are of no consequence to them.
Dominica needs a caring government. One that is empathetic, compassionate, people oriented and spreads love to all regardless of social status, political affiliation, religious beliefs and one’s level of melanin.
If the quarrying goes on unabated, the young, middle aged and aged will suffer serious health problems from the constant noise, inhalation of dust particles, from the contaminated water sources.
Only a god awful government puts material accomplishments over the health and comfort of its people.
@ ibo France, the projects you say Skeritt is putting ahead of people what are these projects? Are you by any chance referring to the many health centers, geothermal, the aerial tram, the schools that are been constructed, the stadium, the Loubier to Bagatell highway, the Marigot and Roseau hospital, the Emerald pool to Pagua high way, and let us not forget the International airport and the housing projects. The list is long.These are all projects designed to benifit Dominicans, sadly your onetrack brain is not able to comprehend such simple things.
UWP should shut up at this time and deal with what is happening inside of our party. They should stop fighting each other and instead unite the party . They need to understand that UWp is bigger than Edison, Lennox and the rest of the Marigot click and the moment they use their campaign to remove Dr Fontaine I am gone too and many more supporters will be gone too
Good luck, UWP. Be part of something that will make you more unpopular. Allow the other groups dealing with that matter to go on, and you all stay away from it. Be smart. You can provide moral support but not be upfront. The Labour Party has successfully cultivated an image of anti-development for you and has been using it for years.