Felling of trees at Beau Vallon regatta site suspended |23 February 2024

The Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment and the Ministry of Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry have suspended the felling of trees at the Beau Vallon regatta site, a day after it was announced that trees had already been earmarked and the project was getting underway.

In a joint communiqué issued yesterday, the two ministries said: “It has come to the attention of the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment (MACCE) and the Ministry of Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry (MIEI) that the 8pm news bulletin of February 21, 2024 on SBC misrepresented the situation surrounding the project development at Beau Vallon. We would like to clarify that 30 trees had been marked around the project for impact, which comprises eight Takamaka trees and not 30 Takamaka trees.”

The communiqué said in light of the recent public concerns however, government has taken immediate action to suspend the permission for cutting down mature trees on-site.

“MACCE is currently working with the necessary agencies to ensure that great care is taken to prevent unnecessary felling or lopping of trees but that will not prevent the project from materialising,” added the communiqué.

“It is to be noted that an important aspect of the Beau Vallon project will have a beautification component which will ascertain the re-planting of trees,” it further added.

“It is imperative to reiterate that the priority of the MACCE remains in favour of protecting mature trees and the environment. We appreciate the public's concern for environmental conservation and assure you that we are committed to upholding the highest standards of environmental protection in all development projects,” concluded the statement.

The matter was also addressed by President Wavel Ramkalawan in his State-of-the-nation address yesterday, stating that government would re-look at the project to ensure it is line with all conservation aspects.

Compiled by Patsy Canaya / press release from MACCE and MIEI