Dear Editor,
I write on behalf of extremely concerned residents of the Malgre Tout and Versailles communities, on the West Bank of Demerara, related to the substantial clearing of mangroves along our coast for the establishment of the Tristar Shorebase facility, reportedly without government approvals.
The construction workers have cleared significant portions of mangroves along the coast much to our dismay. I called the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) to find out what approval was given to do this. I was told that GFC did not approve this, but that I ought to speak with the National Agricultural Research and Education Institute (NAREI). I then proceeded to call NAREI who informed me that the Sea Defence Board had approved some clearing of mangroves, however, the developers had cleared more than what was permitted by the Board and the matter was being discussed at the Board level. I was also informed by NAREI that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had authorised the project but no activities were supposed to start until all approvals were in order. NAREI was unfortunately unable to provide me with any of these permits or approvals. I then decided to try my luck with the EPA.
The EPA informed me that I would need to make a complaint with their complaints division. When I tried to make the complaint, I was then told to discuss my issues with the Infrastructure Department. To date, I am unable to get any concrete information on the project from the EPA or a copy of the Permit issued by the EPA. Is there not an obligation on these public government authorities to provide information to the general public? My research has shown that there is an OilNow Guyana article referring to the development of a wharf, not a shorebase facility. I am by no means a technical person, but I am certain there is a vast difference between these two types of facilities.
Did the EPA consider whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is needed for this project? If these approvals were granted, why are they not in the public domain? Were stakeholder engagements held with members of the public and nearby residents? How was the clearing of mangroves properly considered? How will the Sea Defence Board treat with the developers clearing more of the mangroves than they approved? Editor, we are concerned as mangroves provide coastal defence against flooding. Mangroves provide crucial environmental services to Guyana and their removal is a major concern to us. As the May-June rainfall season has commenced, flooding remains a major concern to us. We sincerely hope that the media houses can investigate this matter urgently and bring some comfort to concerned residents.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address supplied on behalf of residents of the Malgre Tout/Versailles area)
