A local environment lobby group has expressed concern about plans by a large hotelier to build some over-water rooms in Montego-Bay St James, citing regulatory breaches, adverse impact on residents and damage to the ecosystem.

The Jamaica Beach Birthright Environmental Movement (Jabbem) has taken note of a recent environmental impact assessment for Sandals Resorts International for a coastal development project at Providence Beach Montego-Bay, that includes over-water hotel rooms.

In a statement, President of Jabbem Dr. Devon Taylor pointed out that while the assessment touted creation of job opportunities for citizens and great economic gain for the country, it failed to provide any credible cost estimate of the economic harm to the community.

Dr. Taylor noted that the development will, displace local community members from their beaches, harm fishing and recreation, promote coastal degradation, harm the marine environment and quietly divest approximately 2.4 acres of crown waters to a private company.

He said members of communities near to the proposed construction site, such as Whitehouse, Flankers, Norwood, and Providence Heights, still use the beach for fishing and recreation and have expressed concern about loss of access.

Dr. Taylor questioned the legality of the development, pointing out that Jamaica does not have any law ratified by parliament for over-water resort structures, only a gazetted planning guideline, which in itself is problematic.

The Jabbem executive also raised concern about the threat to coastal ecology, especially, the impact on coral, urchin, sea grass, and fish nursery.

He called on the government to reject this ill-advised construction project, to pass legislation that prohibit the appropriation of the sea, and to guarantee fundamental and unfettered rights of access to beaches and use of the sea.