THE EDITOR, Sir:

The Negril Chamber of Commerce has followed with great interest the media debate regarding the mining licences in the Cockpit Country.

We can only praise the stand taken by Diana McCaulay of the Jamaican Environment Trust and the Cockpit Country stakeholders, The Farquharson Institute, John Maxwell, The JHTA and so many great letter writers.

The Cockpit Country should be declared a 'World Heritage Site'as it plays such a vital role in the ecology, hydrology and bio-diversity of Jamaica and probably holds many undiscovered rare plants, animals, insects and possibly archaeological secrets of the past!

Its natural importance may also play a role in alleviating climate change in the Caribbean, whilst helping to buffer the strength of hurricanes in our region.

As stated in the debate, the cost of mining bauxite in terms of health problems (respiratory etc.) to the population especially children, for miles around, the damage to their homes and possessions by deposit of bauxite dust has never been assessed in terms of costs.

The Farquharson Institute article in the Observer of Sunday, December 17, 2006 outlines several environmentally-sustain-able economic possibilities that would create employment, be of great value first to the stakeholders and also to the country at large.

The Negril Chamber of Com-merce is fully behind the stand not to allow any prospecting or mining (whether bauxite or limestone) in the Cockpit Country and to seek all international avenues to obtain backing, including the Privy Council in the United Kingdom, if necessary.

As a long-standing member of I.U.C.N (The World Conservation Union), we will directly seek their help.

I am, etc.,

SYLVIE GRIZZLE

Emeritus director

Negril Chamber of Commerce