Sand mining on the sister isle of Carriacou is a thing of the past.
That's the word from new Minister of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Senator George Prime.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Sen. Prime said the issue which has been plaguing locals for years is bigger than politics and such he cannot risk an entire nation just to solicit a few votes.
He gave the assurances that he will not back down on the decision made by the seven week old government of Prime Minister, Tillman Thomas.
According to the senior government minister, sand mining is resulting in a loss of up to one meter per year of coastline especially on Carriacou's west coast and government cannot allow this situation to continue.
He stated that apart from the destruction of the beaches, the use of sand from the beaches on the sister isles is turning out to be a construction nightmare for residents.
The evidence, he said points to some buildings have a short-life from beach sand because in a short space of time they start to show large cracks that are not caused by natural disasters.
Sen. Prime indicated that a study carried out shows that quarry sand is best for construction and that the state-run Gravel and Concrete recently purchased a sand crusher for $1.5 million dollars to provide alternatives in the construction industry.
However, he disclosed that the cost of purchasing sand will increase from $100.00 for local sand from the beaches in Carriacou and approximately $600.00 per load for imported sand.
The senior government minister said he knows that the increase in cost will take a toll on persons and was looking at ways to reduce it to around $400.00 per load.
Sen. Prime noted that in recent weeks, truck drivers on the sister isle have been engaged in stock-piling of sand by making as much as1o loads per day to the beaches on the island.
He said that the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government plans to table in Parliament an amended version of the existing law relating to sand mining to increase the fine from $500.00 to $15,000.00 or the imprisonment term from three to four months to two years.
When the amended legislation comes into effect persons caught storing the sand on their property will also bear the brunt of the law.
Sen. Prime believes that the solution to the problems of sand mining in Carriacou lies in educating the people about the problem.
The changes to be made the existing law are expected to be tabled during at the next sitting of Parliament.
