By Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer PORTLAND:
ONE OF Portland's premier tourist attractions, the scenic eight-mile rafting on the Rio Grande, already reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan, is now being threatened by illegal sand mining.
The nearly 100 raftsmen attached to the Rio Grande rafting industry say their livelihood is being threatened by such operations, adding that the attraction could soon come under a lot of pressure, even potential closure.
HEAVILY POLLUTED
"The river is heavily polluted with gasolene, grease and other chemicals that are released from trucks, bulldozers and other heavy-duty equipment," said Henry Peart, a raftsman. "There is also evidence of dead fish and molluscs along the river coast and banks. This has left a stench along the river."
Another raftsman, Carl Tugman, said many visitors have been expressing concern about the poor state of the river, with some vowing never to return to the Rio Grande if conditions do not improve.
Others complained of the damage being done to the river coast and its ecology, saying it is now very difficult for raftsmen to enjoy the once smooth passage down the Rio Grande. They said the river coast at Burlington has been transformed into a stream, compounding their problems even further.
URGENT ACTION NEEDED
"The authorities need to take action immediately. Sand mining is destroying this attraction," notes Renford Parsons, raftsman. "The Rio Grande we once knew is in danger of losing its appeal."
In the meantime, Patrick Harris, a dispatcher at Rio Grande Rafting, explained that the terminal building which was destroyed by the hurricane is now up and running.
"The offices at Grants Level and Berrydale were severely battered," he said. "Damage was also done to the restaurant area and the raftsmen also suffered losses, as their vessels were destroyed."
According to the raftsmen, all their vessels were either destroyed or washed away
along the Rio Grande during the passage of Hurricane Ivan. They claim that despite promises made by the Tourism Product Develop-ment Company (TPDCo), the operators of Rio Grande Rafting, no assistance has been rendered.
"I lost three rafts during the hurricane", said Mackland Rebbo, raftsman. "Many like myself also suffered similar losses and we are unable to continue our trade. Mr. Rebbo said the loss of rafting vessels has crippled theie livelihood.
SHORTAGE OF RAFTS
"It will cost no less than $5,000 to assemble a raft and many, if not all of us, will not be able to come up with that kind of money. There is a high shortage of rafting vessels here at Rio Grande Rafting, and if a large contingent of tourists should suddenly turn up here, there wouldn't be sufficient rafts to ferry them down the eight miles of blue water to Rafters' Rest, the disembarkment point," he said.
Mr. Harris, however, noted that their future could change, saying the expected cruise ships arrival could boost business at Rio Grande.
