Dredging the Kgn Harbour
published: Tuesday | February 11, 2003
THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WISH to refer to an article entitled "Three years, four ministers" commenting on the dredging project in Kingston Harbour, written by Mr. Peter Espeut and published in The Gleaner of the January 1, 2003.
Mr. Espeut in his condemnation of The Port Authority for fulfilling its statutory responsibility to "ensure safe navigation for international shipping in our ports and harbours," made some very misleading statements, some of which have already been addressed by various professionals.
However, I cannot understand Mr. Espeut's statement that the permit to dredge was granted by Minister Dalley "without the required public meetings to expose the plans to the stakeholders."
The Port Authority is a responsible government agency, and has always implemented all programmes in strict compliance with approval regulations, and guidelines. In that regard, two public meetings were convened on the August 3, 2000, and the February 14, 2001, at the Jamaica Conference Centre, advertised and featured extensively in the media. In addition, written invitations were sent to stakeholders and other interested persons. Approximately 150 persons attended both meetings.
The list of persons in attendance at the meeting of the 3rd August 2000, records a Peter Espeut, including address, telephone number, and e-mail address, which must have been another person. Notwithstanding, Mr. Espeut at least could have made an effort to verify the facts, unless he considers that such facts are irrelevant when you are passing judgement.
