PRIME MINISTER P.J. Patterson has ordered the drafting of a new comprehensive policy document to govern mining and quarrying operations in Jamaica, particularly relating to sand-mining and limestone quarrying.
At a meeting convened at Jamaica House yesterday, Mr. Patterson mandated the drafting of the new policy document, which is to be ready for consideration by Cabinet in mid-February.
Dean Peart, Minister of Land and the Environment, will oversee the development of the document in consultation with other agencies and ministries, such as the National Environment and Planning Agency, the National Works Agency, the Ministry of Transport and Works and the Ministry of National Security.
Mr. Patterson said the new policy document must address, among other things, the gran-ting of licences, monitoring and enforcement, penalties for non-compliance, requirements and arrangements for restoration of mined-out areas, management of demand for mined materials, the training of technical personnel, earnings from mining any quarrying, the role of Govern-ment and special areas.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the existing arrangements governing mining and quarrying operations in the country and noted that the current situation led to unacceptable levels of denuding, scarring and pillaging of the country's natural resources.
"We are going to be held responsible by future generations for the manner in which we treat our natural resources," Mr. Patterson said.
He added that breaches of the codes governing mining and quarrying operations often worsened the effects of natural disasters.
The Prime Minister pointed out that the mining portfolio, as well as the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, have now been placed in the Ministry of Land and the Environment to create greater levels of synergy and efficiency.
"We have to ensure that mining operations are carried out within the context of pursuing sustainable environmental policies and programmes," Mr. Patterson said.
