Stop trying to muzzle us

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The Discovery Bay Community Development Committee (CDC) voted to not respond to the ­vituperative statements made by Stafford Burrowes that were published in The Gleaner on November 2. Nor would we response to Laura Heron’s statements published in The Observer on November 6. We know that newspaper readers are not only literate but can analyse and make judgements.

However, Mr Knight, CEO of the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), made some statements that were published in The Gleaner on November 9, in response to the CDC’s letter of October 26. These misleading statements must be addressed.

How can Mr Knight be “at a loss” at the timing of the CDC’s letter that corresponds with the renewal of the permit for Dolphin Cove? We clearly stated our concerns and asked about the renewal of the permit in our letter. Surely, there is nothing ­underhanded in this.

Mr Knight is well aware that Alloa Fishermen’s Co-op is a part of the CDC and has always supported our stance against dolphins in the Bay. His letter is ­suggesting otherwise.

MEET US AT THE BEACH

In July 2019, the fishermen wrote to the fisheries division, copied to NEPA, about 80-plus fish pots ­overturned by dolphins. They did not get a response. In October, we voted to go public regarding the smelly/ slimy water and rashes being experienced by some swimmers, hoping that would force NEPA to respond. A video of the affected sand and a picture of a child with rashes developing all over his face after rushing out of the sea was WhatsApped to Mr Knight.

Instead of attacking the ‘veracity’ of our complaint, NEPA should contact the CDC/Alloa and meet them at the beach one morning at 6. We want a good working relationship with NEPA, which is supposed to be the guardian of Jamaica’s environment. However, the truthful voice of the community must not be muzzled.

DISCOVERY BAY CDC EXECUTIVE