Latest update March 29th, 2024 12:59 AM
Aug 14, 2014 News
The docking and removal of beach sand in parts of Parika has been an ongoing problem, according to members of the local
sea operation regulating body. This statement comes even as the agency gears to intercept a ship currently conducting sand removal activities in the Bushy Park location.
Chief Sea and River Defence Officer, Kevin Samad told Kaieteur News yesterday, that the agency is aware of a vessel currently undertaking sand mining works in the Bushy Park area, and they are setting to officially inform the operator of his “illegal activity”.
A ship breaker, Malik Cave, told Kaieteur News that last Saturday the ship belonging to a known operator (name provided), pulled up on the Parika beach in the area where he has a lease to conduct his ship-breaking operation. Cave said that he is currently leasing the waterfront property and claimed that he has first preference to the area.
He stated, however, that he would allow families and other persons to access that part of the beach for recreational activities, but currently, no one can use the facilities since the ship came ashore. Cave said since the ship arrived last Saturday, persons on board commenced sand-blasting work. The workmen use the sand to blast barnacles off the bottom of the boat.
Additionally, he said, the men are digging up the beach and fetching away the sand in bags, which is then loaded onto the ship. Cave alleges that he has spoken to the owner of the vessel on several occasions, but his protestation is being ignored. Cave claimed also, that he has been threatened with violence by the ship operator when he attempted to take photos of the illegal activity.
He said he even made complaints to the sea defence engineer stationed in the Region, and he promptly came to the scene. Cave said he was there when the engineer spoke with the ship’s owner, who ignored the warnings and continued to conduct his activities. The engineer said he would have to write a formal letter to this ship owner.
Samad told Kaieteur News that the agency is aware of who the ship belongs to, since checks
were made on the vessel. An official letter will be sent to the operator, he stated, or the necessary action will have to be taken.
Samad continued that any such actions, specifically, the removal of sand from the beaches, is illegal. He stated further, that apart from the removal of the sand, the docking of the ship in that area is also illegal and this is an area that the agency will be working on along with the agents of maritime. He said that agency is responsible for the mooring of boats and its locations etc. and they will have to be notified of this aspect.
Samad went on to explain that such activities in the Parika area are not new.
Cave requested however, that the authorities move speedily to address this matter, as large quantities of sand are being removed from the waterfront, and this is not the first time that boats have been in the area illegally. Towards the end of last month to the first of this month, another boat was illegally brought to the area, allegedly by the same ship owner. That one was however removed, but this boat now causing the contention, replaced it.
THIS IDIOT TELLING GUYANA WE HAVE NO SAY IN THE 50% PROFIT SHARING AGREEMENT WE HAVE WITH EXXON.
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