Jamaica Environment Trust lauds NEPA on Blue Lagoon case

THE JAMAICA Environment Trust (JET) yesterday said it is pleased with the successful outcome of the enforcement action taken by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) with regard to breaches to the Beach Control Act ( BCA) in Blue Lagoon.

NEPA, as agent and administrator for the Natural Resources Conservation Authority, was successful in prosecuting Devon Wilson for breaches of the BCA.

Wilson, who was charged with three breaches, pleaded guilty in the Port Antonio Resident Magistrate's Court for constructing two seawalls and a pylon on his property at the edge of the Blue Lagoon. He was fined $10,000 for each of the three charges on Monday. The maximum fine under the BCA is $500,000 or 12 months' imprisonment.

"JET does have concerns about the low level of the fines imposed by the court, as low fines will not generally act as a deterrent to others. JET hopes that NEPA will now ensure that the coastline of Blue Lagoon is restored to its former state, and that, in future, breaches to environmental laws will be treated with the seriousness they deserve, both by the regulatory agencies and the courts," said Diana McCaulay, chief executive officer of JET.

She added: "With regard to other breaches observed by NEPA in the Blue Lagoon area, JET looks forward to equally strong action and public disclosure of the details of these breaches."