Angelo Laurence, Gleaner Writer
RESIDENTS WHO live near to Canoe Valley, Manchester, are hostile to the idea of an overseas company mining the large deposit of limestone in that area because of the environmental implications.
Last week, Valarie Dixon, chairman of the Manchester Environmental Protection Agency (MEPA), confirmed rumours that there are plans in the pipeline to begin mining operations along the coast of Manchester, near Clarendon. The area is reportedly known for large deposits of limestone.
Mrs. Dixon is opposed to the planned mining operations because she believes that, "while the short-term economic benefits may be welcomed by many, the long-term negative effects will be devastating to future generations".
RESIDENTS PEEVED
Residents who live nearby are peeved that any future development in the area could upset the delicate ecological balance of the area.
One resident who asked not to be named said she is "dead set against" any form of mining or other activity that would disturb the wildlife, or transform the landscape of the area.
"I am 66 years old," she said. "And that is where as a child the whole district of Marlie Hill used to go for firewood, fruits and to shoot birds, and there is no place left for the younger generation to experience that."
Canoe Valley is one of a few of the south coast's remaining natural habitats for several species of wildlife, as well as animal grazing land for a number of farmers. It was identified by the Wildlife Protection Committee from as early as 1968 as an area that should be protected and maintained in its natural state. In 1992, the Jamaican Conservation and Development Trust also named Canoe Valley as an area that should come under its umbrella for protection from environmental degradation.
Mining engineer Audley L. Roberts, who is associated with the project, believes that the impending mining activity will yield some 300,000 tonnes of limestone for export to North America.
In an interview a few weeks ago, he revealed that an overseas interest, Rinker Materials of Miami, Florida, U.S.A., was spearheading the operation. He said that a licence was not yet in hand from the Jamaican Government although one has been applied for. A check with the National Environment Protection Agency (NEPA) also revealed that an application has been made to that agency for permission to mine in Canoe Valley, although the spokesman refused to name the person or firm making the application.
MINING EXPERTS SURVEY AREA
Mr. Roberts also confirmed residents' reports that a team of mining experts from Jamaica and the United States has been in the area accessing its potential for limestone mining.
In the meantime, the Manchester Parish Development Committee (PDC), headed by the chief executive officer of Jamaica Standard Products, Jackie Minott, is also against any mining operations in the Canoe Valley area. In a handout published by the PDC, it was pointed out that Canoe Valley is home to 52 endemic species of flowering plants, fresh water springs, sea grass beds, crocodiles, turtles and other marine life. It also pictured Guts River, Manchester's best-known river for family picnics, that would become a victim of the mines.
The Manchester Chamber of Commerce and its newly elected president, Richard Longmore, are also voicing their disapproval of the Government granting permission for mining to be carried out in the Canoe Valley area.
However, although the prospective miners have been visiting the area and wooing stakeholders in the vicinity of Canoe Valley, Mr. Roberts said that until the Government grants a licence, they will not "drive the first drill", not even for mere exploration.
