Sand mining operation in North Leeward raising alarm
A sand mining operation at the Roseau River tributary in North Leeward, seems to be raising growing unease among pockets of residents in the area, and elsewhere.
Matters which have surfaced include immigration clearance of workers on a barge that is used to transport the sand, which is destined for the southern Grenadines; what is being said is insufficient information about the issue; whether a limit was placed on the quantity of sand what should be removed; and benefits to residents in the community from which the sand is being harvested. Some of these concerns are addressed in the conclusions of an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) that involved inputs from residents of north leeward communities, and may have prompted a community meeting that takes place later today, June 9, 2026.
Environmental Consultant, Dr. Reynold Murray told SEARCHLIGHT in an interview on Thursday, June 4, 2026, that in the EIA which he conducted “there was no statement that it [ mining] should not be continued”.
The EIA to assess the impact of mining the Roseau River mouth, was commissioned by the Roads Buildings and General Services Authority ( BRAGSA). It was followed “by a public consultation with people from all around the community along with persons from different agencies; even some people who do mining themselves…”, and there was no objection from anyone to the mining”, Dr. Murray stated.
The community consultation, which was also organized by BRAGSA, was held at the Chateaubelair Learning Resource Centre on April 8, 2026 to discuss the sand mining project at the Roseau River tributary in North Leeward and was led by Dr. Murray.
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