Illegal Quarry Exposed in Cumaca

Uploaded on June 6, 2016

Produced by Fishermen and Friends of the Sea (FFOS) 2016

Voiced by Gary Aboud, Corporate Secretary, FFOS

Song: Last Dawn by Ross Budden

Special Thanks to Daniel Barcant

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Nestled in the foothills of the northern range, in the rural village of Cumaca, is the St. Alban’s Quarry which is owned and operated by the President of the Quarry Association of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr Ramdeo “Dan” Persad, and which continues to operate well outside of the works it has clearance to do.

Earlier this year, Mr Persad presented Lifetime Membership Certificates to former Prime Ministers Patrick Manning and Basdeo Panday, the Energy Minister Nicole Olivierre and Works Minister Fitzgerald Hinds.

Is the conflict of interest not obvious? Are the opportunities for corruption not clearly visible?

FFOS is again calling on the Environmental Management Authority to investigate the continued destructive and illegal action taking place on this site daily.

The once pristine Turure River has been modified and diverted. These actions have jeopardized the quality of water to WASA’s Cumaca intake due to the siltation of the Turure river and its tributaries.

An additional concern arises with respect to the destruction of state roads. The constant flow of heavy machinery and the irresponsible method of excavation used on site have compromised the integrity of public roadways.

To add insult to injury, Mr. Persad is also seeking approval for massive mining operations and the launching of ill-advised tar sand projects, which cannot be supported by our small land mass.

Approximately two tonnes of tar sands are needed to produce a single barrel of oil and the impacts in terms of habitat destruction, deforestation, ground water contamination, soil degradation and human health are catastrophic and well documented.

The illegal activity and damages being done at the St. Albans Quarry presents an opportunity for those in power to set an example for all quarry owners. Unless an honourable government applies the rule of law without fear or favour, our beloved country will continue its slide into muddy waters.