THE EDITOR, Sir:
WE HAVE written the following as an open letter to the Ministry of Health, NEPA, ODPEM and the Ministry of Land and Environment:
It has come to the attention of the Association of General Practitioners of Jamaica of a potential health risk posed by the location of a proposed cemetery in the Ramble/Hampton Grove section of Hanover. Questions are being asked about the risk of contamination of the water table that is located directly below that site.
The proposed cemetery site is, we understand, about 200 metres above sea level and is considerably higher than many of the springs that are currently being used to bottle spring water.
The location by nature is limestone, which is extremely porous and makes easy passage of contaminants to the water table.
We believe that prevention is better than cure and strongly encourage that the following questions be answered before any further development takes place:
a) Is the water table in that area a contributor to the Great River and hence the Great River water supply?
b) Can a sealed vault absolutely prevent contamination from vault contents, that is, embalming chemicals and products of decomposition?
c) Are there active springs in the area which are now being used by residents for domestic, commercial and recreational activities?
d) Which agencies have approved this particular development?
e) Were any environmental impact assessments carried out?
As health practitioners who strongly believe in prevention, we urge the relevant authorities to re-evaluate and reconsider the wisdom of the decisions that were made.
This letter is also being forwarded to ODPEM in light of the possible impending disaster.
I am, etc.,
DR. LYNVAL BLOODFIELD
for the Executive Board Association of General Practitioners of Jamaica
