BEACH WORKS AT FOREST BAY HALTED Authorities Say No Permission Was Granted

Following the recent ground-breaking ceremony for the Fairmont Project at the Forest Bay area, the developers undertook to carry out certain work, on the beach and the surf, involving the use of heavy equipment and the removal of sand reportedly for eventual replacement.

The work was stopped when officials from the Environmental Department, Planning, the Land Development Committee and the Attorney General’s Chambers intervened contending that it could have serious ecological consequences and that the developers had no permission.

Commenting on the matter in a general press briefing on Tuesday this week, Chief Minister and Minister of Lands, Osbourne Fleming, said it was his understanding that the work was also intended to facilitate a ramp for a barge. “Based on my information, no permission was requested, no permission was granted,” he stressed.

Mr. Fleming said that the Attorney General’s Chambers was looking into the matter and probably in another week some information may become available.

The Chief Minister added that persons must comply with the law and that the foreshore was the property of the people of Anguilla.

No comment was available from persons associated with the project.