Our requests to the Planning and Development Authority to know about the status of this planning application have been met with silence. But now we have learned – via the backdoor as usual – that consent has been given.
The Authority has given this consent in flagrant disregard of the views of the local community and the evidence we have submitted about the environmental and contamination damage – Click here to view submission – and in dereliction of its statutory duties under the Physical Planning and Development Act (S. 38) to function as the national service for the identification, protection, conservation and rehabilitation of the natural and cultural heritage of Grenada.
Once again, our only route now is via judicial review – to challenge in court the way this decision has been made and have it reversed. We shall be reviewing the strength of such a claim now and will let you know the outcome for you to decide if that’s what we should do. First we have to get complete information on the application (including what exactly has been approved) and the Authority has refused us access. This is illegal and we are commencing legal proceedings to gain access. Our letter Before Action is available – Click here to view letter
Why is the Authority so secretive? Why does it think the public is not entitled to public information? Why does it have such little concern for the environment and such enthusiasm for destroying it? Could it be something to do with the constitution of its Board of Directors? Here are the Authority Board Members responsible for this decision with their backgrounds as far as we have been able to determine:
Kenrick Fullerton, Chair – Construction Project Management
Kennie John, Deputy Chair – Finance, investment, insurance (Antillean)
Marlon Joseph – Banking and finance
Phillip Alexander – NAWASA
Lennox Archibald – Construction management
Lachaba Joseph – Architect (Dynamic Latitude)
Christopher Whint – Developer (Mandela Court apartments/hotel)
Kevin Blanche –
Christopher Husbands – NAWASA
It would appear that the board is top-heavy with interests in development and construction and void of environmental protection, public health or conservation interests – and females. Please tell us if you know whether the backgrounds of these individuals as noted are correct and anything else that may be relevant. This will be treated in confidence.
More news later but comments welcome!
A brief history of the Mt Hartman Bay boatyard
CCG = Coral Cove Group
PDA = Planning and Development Authority
14.02.2022 First planning application submitted to PDA. Community not informed so unable to submit views and evidence
30.08.2022 Approval granted. Community not informed
09.11.2022 CCG finds out about approval (GBN TV)
05.12.2022-21.12.2022 Requests for access to full information obstructed by Authority (email trail provided in CCG claim for judicial review 25.05.2023)
23.12.2022 CCG Letter Before Action threatening legal action to obtain access
06.03.2023 Second CCG Letter Before Action threatening legal action to obtain access
22.03.2023 Access to information obtained (email from Chairman)
25.05.2023 CCG claim for judicial review of approval submitted to High Court. First and second court hearings followed
30.08.2022 Planning consent cancelled. Consent out of time before commencing construction
10.10.2023 CCG discontinues judicial review claim
18.10.2023 Second application lodged. Community not informed
20.12.2023 Community discovers application submitted
21.12.2023 Community refused access to information at PDA
22.12.2023 CCG complains to Chairman (email)
22.12.2023 Access to information obtained (email from Chairman)
08.01.2024 CCG submission of community evidence against boatyard in this location
March 2024 Approval of planning application by the Authority. Community not informed
02.04.2024 Authority denies access to information on what has been approved etc.
04.04.2024 CCG starts legal process to gain access