Opposition Spokesperson on Land and Environment Senator Sophia Frazer-Binns is expressing disappointment with the government’s provisional approval to grant a mining permit to Bengal Development Limited for mining activities in the Dry Harbour Mountains of St. Ann.
Senator Frazer Binns notes despite the national outcry from citizens and environmentalists the government has acted otherwise. Minister with responsibility for Mining, Audley Shaw responding to questions before the standing finance committee on Tuesday says a provisional approval has been granted to Bengal Development Limited to carry out mining activities in St. Ann.
This according to Senator Frazer Binns is “a slap in the face of our people.” The Senator opines that a decision for short term gain will destroy the protected habitat of some of Jamaica’s most endangered species and put them at risk of extinction.
