Opposition appeals to Govt to protect the Blue Lagoon

The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is asking several questions about the development of the Blue Lagoon in Portland.

The project is being undertaken by Tropical Lagoon Heights Resorts and the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) has already voiced its objection about the development.

In a statement on Monday, the Opposition said it noted reports in the media that sections of the shoreline along the Blue Lagoon have recently been modified. 

"Reports in the news are that the Portland Parish Council has no knowledge of the application to modify or works involved in the modification of the shoreline.  Further it has also been reported that trees have been illegally removed from the area which would be in clear violation of the Tree Preservation Order in effect for that area," the statement said adding that "the developer of the property claims he obtained a Beach License from the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) through the National Environment and Planning Agency, (NEPA)."

Due to these reports, the Opposition is asking several questions about the development.

"Was a beach licence granted? If the Beach License was granted, please release a copy of the Beach License that the terms and conditions of the Beach License to the public.  Were the terms and conditions of the Beach License breached given the scope of works performed?  If there was a breach, what if any enforcement action has been taken. (Were) trees were removed in breach of the Tree Preservation Order? Are any plans for the Blue Lagoon and its immediate surroundings to become a Protected Area and if there are plans, when can the public expect the Blue Lagoon to become a Protected Area?"

The PNP said it is calling for the NRCA and NEPA to immediately inform the public on the status of their investigation as it believe that this is of paramount importance.

"National treasures like the Blue Lagoon must be protected". 

"In that regard we are of the view that every effort should be made to immediately change the Blue Lagoon and its surroundings to that of a Protected Area status where any development would have to follow the strictest guidelines usually associated with Protected Areas," the PNP statement continued.

Late last month, the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) wrote to Prime Minister Bruce Golding objecting to the construction of an artificial beach at the Blue Lagoon.

JET said it had become aware of the beach in January and was communicating with NEPA and local stakeholders to try and determine why this was being allowed.

But Colin Bell, the Spokesman and Operations Manager for Tropical Lagoon Heights Resorts, later told RJR News that the developers had placed major emphasis on protecting the lagoon.

He added that the project had been granted the requisite permit and approvals and remains a plus for Portland.