The Democratic People’s Movement (DPM) is calling on a sitting MP, who also is a
government minister, to step down.
Rookie parliamentarian Kerryne James has been a “failure’’ as MP for St. John and
Minister responsible for the Environment, DPM says.
“We ask her to resign,’’ said Arley Gill, DPM’s Deputy Political Leader, citing James’s
negligence in defending the environment and the people of St. John amid the
ongoing environmental concerns surrounding Rayneau Construction and Industrial
Equipment Limited’s operations in Woodford.
Gill, speaking at a community meeting at Cotton Bailey, said residents have endured
months of uncertainty. At the same time, land slippages, road damage and
environmental degradation continue to threaten lives, livelihoods and property.
“What is happening in Woodford is complete chaos,’’ said Gill, a lawyer and DPM
election candidate for St. John.
“We are not against investments in our parish or our country. We welcome
investment; but, such investments must comply with all applicable rules,
regulations, and laws.’’
According to Gill, Rayneau commenced operations without first obtaining the
required approvals, including an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and was
later granted permission to continue under a General Development Order.
He argued that the absence of proper environmental oversight has contributed to
land movement, road deterioration and growing risks for nearby residents.
“There has been serious environmental degradation,’’ he said. “The earth movement
caused by the excavation has impacted the surrounding area, resulting in significant
land slippages. Anyone can visit the site and see the damage for themselves.’’
Gill criticized the government’s continued position that there is no evidence linking
Rayneau’s operations to the environmental problems being experienced by
residents.
“To suggest there is no environmental impact is simply insincere. We are now in the
rainy season, and with another period of heavy rainfall, the entire roadway could
collapse, cutting off access to homes and farms,’’ warned Gill.
The DPM, questioning the silence of the sitting MP and environment minister,
pointed out that while she represents Grenada internationally on climate resilience
and environmental issues, residents of her own constituency continue to raise
alarms over conditions in Woodford.
“Her silence on this issue is deafening. At the very least, she has an obligation to
defend the environment in her own backyard,’’ said Gill. “Instead, residents have
been left without leadership on one of the most serious environmental challenges
facing the constituency.”
Gill labelled the minister’s performance “a complete failure’’, and argued that the
situation underscores the need for greater accountability from elected
representatives.
“We call upon our parliamentary representative, who is also the Minister of the
Environment, to be active in defense of the environment and in support of the
people,’’ Gill demanded. “If she cannot do so, and she has proven that she has not
done so, then we ask her to resign.’’
The DPM is calling for an independent environmental and engineering assessment
of the Woodford site, greater transparency surrounding the approval process, and
immediate action to protect residents, restore damaged infrastructure and
safeguard the environment, before further deterioration occurs during the rainy
season.
