Environmentalist Wendy Lee has stated that decisions about developments must be rational and reflect the obligation of the state to protect the environment.

Her comment follows the landmark ruling by Jamaica’s Constitutional Court that the 2020 environmental permit issued to bengal development limited for a limestone mining project was unconstitutional.

The decision marks a significant win for residents of St. Ann who had mounted a legal challenge against the approval.

Residents had argued that the project posed a threat to their constitutional right to a healthy and sustainable environment.

The court’s judgment effectively halts plans for quarrying in the dry harbour mountains, an area regarded as environmentally sensitive.

According Ms. Lee, who is also first claimant in the case, following due process and still granting the permit at the end is not enough.

She was speaking on IRIE FM’s Running African Programme hosted by Kabu Maat Kheru yesterday.

She also called on the National Environment and Planning Agency, NEPA not to accept applications which clearly contravene environmental laws.

In the meantime, she lauded the office of the public defender which she said was pivotal to the victory.