Come clean on Goat Islands, JET tells gov't

Jovan Johnson, Gleaner Writer



The Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) says the Government should tell Jamaicans whether it has already made a decision to have the Goat Islands used as the site for a major industrial development.



JET's response follows further indications from the Government yesterday that the Chinese investors could be given the go ahead to construct a transshipment hub on the islands off the St Catherine coast.



Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller while acknowledging the need for sustainable development, argued yesterday that the logistics hub will attract mega investors and will provide vast opportunities for medium, small and micro enterprises.



However, JET’s chief executive officer, Diana McCaulay says the Prime Minister’s utterances continue a trend in which Government officials argue for the developmental potentials without presenting details on the potential impact on the protected-area.



She says the manner in which the matter is being handled suggests bad governance.



The JET boss says not much is expected from a Port Authority of Jamaica-led study expected to be completed by month-end.



According to McCaulay, most of what will be reported by the study is already known.



Environmentalists and other civil society groups have been vigorously opposing the construction of the hub, arguing that such infrastructural development could endanger protected flora and fauna.



JET has said it is willing to use the courts to block any activity on the islands.



However, the Government says it is giving serious consideration to the US$1.5 million proposal from the investors.



FOR MORE STORIES WATCH:

Like our new Facebook page:

Gleaner Jamaica



Follow us on Twitter:

@JamaicaGleaner



Email us at:

onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com