Montserrat is in a unique place: The Government of Montserrat can either be a leader for environmental protection or in the news for rampant disregard for marine life, coastal protection and the rights of the people who live there.

I am very concerned about the continuing destruction of the beach and valley. How the mining persists in the light of questioning of the legality is outrageous.

I wish I could be there on the 27th for the discussions. Are public officials attending? If I were there, these are the points and questions I would have in my hand: (citations follow each point, please feel free to copy)

• Most important is the destruction of marine life and environment: Two of the four critically endangered species of sea turtles, the Hawksbill and Leatherback turtles are present in Montserrat waters and the Hawksbill has been observed to nest on Montserrat beaches. (all sea turtles are considered endangered) Green and Loggerhead turtles are also present and nesting on Montserrat. http://www.seaturtle.org/mtrg/pubs/Martin_ABC_2005.pdf
• The habitat and environment of the Belham RIver Valley is being damaged by lowering of the riverbed, allowing salt water to invade into the habitat forcing fresh water species away and destroying habitat for birds and other inland species.
• This change in the riverbed depth also will cause fresh water pooling and erosion upstream (making a road across the Belham difficult to create and maintain).
• Mining closer to the water will cause beach erosion. A large beach would be of significant financial impact to Montserrat in terms of tourism. http://www.coastalwiki.org/marbefwiki/Human_Causes_of_Coastal_Erosion http://www.riversymposium.com/index.php?element=PIYADASA
• Is sand mining in the Belham Valley and Old Road Beach Legal? In 1992 the Government's Executive Council closed the last beach open to sand mining (Trants) which made it illegal to remove sand from any beach in Montserrat. This was amended once but only allowed sand to be obtained in small amounts, by permit, from Farm's Beach.
• Someone is profiting (I'm not referring to the drivers of the trucks here) from the export of sand. The person(s) making money from this operation should be held completely responsible for what appears to be an illegal activity and the operations should cease. If the Government is turning a blind eye, then how deep does the corruption run? http://nsgd.gso.uri.edu/pru/pruw96001/pruw96001_pt-b1.pdf http://www.csiwisepractices.org/?read=88
• If sand is needed on island for construction, permits could again be issued. Exporting of sand for profit is essentially stealing from the people of Montserrat. Who has the right to profit from what does not belong to them and endanger and exploit the natural resources of the island?
• Environmental studies and close regulation are warranted here. The Government of Montserrat should take complete and full responsibility immediately and stop the illegal activity.