Clarendon Custos, benevolent society move to protect the water source
Nadine Wilson-Harris
A proposal to build a gas station on the banks of the infamous Rio Minho River in Clarendon has angered the parish’s leadership and residents alike.
Custos of Clarendon, William ‘Billy’ Shagoury and other members of the Clarendon Parish Development Committee Benevolent Society (CPDCBS) have mounted strong objections to the construction of the gas station on the banks of the river, which is a main water source in the parish.
In a letter sent to chief executive officer of the National Environment and Planning Agency, Peter Knight, the very forthright custos emphasised that the Rio Minho is Clarendon’s most special resource and is cherished by both residents and stakeholders alike. The Rio Minho is the longest river in Jamaica and rises in the mountains near to Spaldings.
“The placement of a gas station on its banks would have detrimental consequences for the natural beauty and ecological balance of this invaluable water body. We respectfully urge you to reconsider the decision to grant any permit for the construction of a gas station on this site,” Shagoury appealed.
“Furthermore, the proposed location for the gas station raises significant concerns about traffic congestion and safety. The existing old rail bridge, which is already narrow and outdated, experiences severe delays and traffic build-up during peak hours. The addition of a gas station in close proximity would exacerbate these problems and pose risks to both motorists and pedestrians. Therefore, it is essential to consider the potential negative impact on traffic flow and public safety in this area,” he added.
But apart from the environmental and traffic concerns, Shagoury feels the site being considered for the gas station could have been used to showcase the parish’s rich heritage, as it currently features the remnants of a past railway station. He recommended that it be used as a cultural landmark that pays homage to Clarendon’s history, while also promoting tourism and economic development in the region.
The custos pointed to the fact that May Pen already has over a dozen gas stations, some of which are underutilised, and the Rio Minho is currently experiencing erosion. He feels construction in the area could further contribute to environmental degradation.
NEPA has earned the wrath of environmentalists and residents of several communities over the years for its approval of developments that they feel should not have been granted permits. Last year, residents from at least 24 communities staged a virtual protest, chastising NEPA and at least one other government entity for facilitating building breaches by developers in the corporate area. Later that year, the government entity was forced to defend its decision to not request an environmental impact assessment from developers of the Dreams Resort and Spa in Montego Bay, despite concerns from residents. The Supreme Court also ruled in 2020, that NEPA broke the law when it granted approval for the construction of a multi-million dollar, three-storey apartment on Birdsucker Drive in the corporate area.
Although Shagoury’s letter was addressed to Knight, several persons were copied, including the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Science, Energy,Telecomuniciations & Transport, Carol Palmer; the member of parliament for Central Clarendon Michael Henry, and mayor for May Pen, Winston Maragh.
Palmer has since responded, noting the concerns of Shagoury and members of the CPDCBS. She said the ministry only has responsibility for energy and transportation-related matters.
“However, it shall be noted that with respect to your concern about the necessity, due to the fact that there are numerous underutilised gas stations in May Pen, the petroleum industry is a liberalised market and players are free to enter and exist, as long as they meet the requisite approval from the relevant government authorities,” the permanent secretary stated in a letter which was seen by the Freedom Come Rain newspaper.
She further explained that based on the Petroleum and Oil Fuel (Landing and Storage) Act, the retail license to operate a gas station is currently being granted by the parish judge. This responsibility is to be transferred to the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecomuniciations & Transport, when a new Petroleum, (Downstream Activity) bill is passed into law.
“The concerns about traffic congestion and safety are duly noted by the Ministry for future reference,” she said.
Shagoury sought to clarify whether any consultations were conducted with the stakeholders in the parish prior to the approval of the project and requested a meeting with Knight to discuss the matter further and to explore alternative solutions that are in line with the shared goals of responsible development.