Searchlight Logo
special_image

    • News
      • Front Page
      • News
      • Breaking News
      • Press Release
      • Features
      • Special Features
      • From the Courts
      • Sports
      • Regional / World
    • Opinions
      • Editorial
      • Our Readers’ Opinions
      • Bassy – Love Vine
      • Dr. Fraser- Point of View
      • R. Rose – Eye of the Needle
      • On Target
      • Dr Jozelle Miller
      • The World Around Us
      • Random Thoughts
    • Advice
      • Kitchen Corner
      • What’s on Fleek this week
      • Health Wise
      • Physician’s Weekly
      • Business Buzz
      • Hey Rosie!
      • Prime the pump
    • ePaper
    • Obituaries
      • In Memoriam / Acknowledgement
      • Tribute
    • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Letters To The Editor
      • General Contact Information
      • Contact our Webmaster
    • About Us
      • Interactive Media Ltd
      • St. Vincent & the Grenadines
    • Subscribe
    • News
      • Front Page
      • News
      • Breaking News
      • Press Release
      • Features
      • Special Features
      • From the Courts
      • Sports
      • Regional / World
    • Opinions
      • Editorial
      • Our Readers’ Opinions
      • Bassy – Love Vine
      • Dr. Fraser- Point of View
      • R. Rose – Eye of the Needle
      • On Target
      • Dr Jozelle Miller
      • The World Around Us
      • Random Thoughts
    • Advice
      • Kitchen Corner
      • What’s on Fleek this week
      • Health Wise
      • Physician’s Weekly
      • Business Buzz
      • Hey Rosie!
      • Prime the pump
    • ePaper
    • Obituaries
      • In Memoriam / Acknowledgement
      • Tribute
    • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Letters To The Editor
      • General Contact Information
      • Contact our Webmaster
    • About Us
      • Interactive Media Ltd
      • St. Vincent & the Grenadines
    • Subscribe
News
November 14, 2014

Bigger Biggs should not be restricted from mining – Technical advisors

Something is amiss in the case in which Leon “Bigger Biggs” Samuel is trying to have his minng licence reinstated.

So say supporters of the businessman, who gathered at the Methodist Church Hall in Kingstown this week, to show solidarity with the beleaguered entrepreneur.{{more}}

During a press conference on Wednesday, the technical advisors to Samuel gave their professional opinion as to why he should not have been restricted from carrying out mining operations in the area in the first place, and called for Samuel, who started his operations there in 2008, to have his licence reinstated.

Last month, after three years of inactivity, Samuel’s application to the Physical Planning Board to resume mining was approved; this was followed, days later, by a letter stating that a mining licence needed to be applied for and granted by the National Quarries Board, in the Ministry of Works, and that previous restrictions outlined to him had to be revised, before he could resume mining operations.

Those giving their input into the debate were agronomist Clive Bishop, civil engineer Glenford Stewart and former chief agricultural officer Philmore Isaacs.

Bishop, who gave technical information on the type of soil in the area, used the opportunity to debunk assertions that there was a collection of water, known as ponding at the site, which was said to have been caused by ineffective soil treatment caused by Samuel’s operations.

Bishop argued that the volcanic type of soil on the site would not have allowed for ponding in the area.

“Ponding of the soil is not possible… the claim of ponding is totally false; it is not possible technically.

“From a developmental and technical perspective of this country, what we are trying to show here is that a process has been used to discontinue operations of a local company which directly employed over 60 people, which is supposedly for technical reasons, which is technically unsound and methodically unsound….”

Isaacs, who was also a member of the Physical Planning Board from 1992 to 2007, outlined the procedure by which the board issues mining and building licences.

He said that it was unconstitutional for the board to rescind Samuel’s approval for the mining licence he received in October, because permission was not given by Cabinet.

“In no way does the town and country planning act say that Cabinet must approve; the board approves, and if there is any dispute, a tribunal set up; if there is any further, the High Court.

“So, it is plain in the analysis that there is something amiss in this case,” Isaacs declared.

Stewart told the gathering that he had been monitoring Samuel since the beginning of his mining operations, and is of the view that the businessman had one of the best run outfits at Rabacca, where other businesses operate.

Stewart said that it was his view that the Physical Planning Board and their advisors were instructed to refuse Samuel permission to resume work in the area, since he could not imagine “anyone with technical competence” would have advised the minister responsible for mining, to close the operations down on the basis of what is contained in the report.

“Any qualified technical mind should have some level of independence of intellect….

“Why would you print and advise on something that was false unless you had been instructed to do so…. You have to ask the technical people who instructed them to say there was ponding in sand and gravel and you have to ask the technical people who advised them to say that there was mining at the banks of the river.”

According to Marlon Mills, who chaired the proceedings, Samuel has resolved to continue to pursue permission to resume his mining operations.(JJ)

  • FacebookComments
  • ALSO IN THE NEWS
    Free movement of  people in 4 Caricom states begins tomorrow
    Front Page
    Free movement of people in 4 Caricom states begins tomorrow
    Webmaster 
    September 30, 2025
    Many Vincentians and other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nationals are welcoming the decision by four CARICOM governments to institute the free moveme...
    ‘Unprincipled  non-state operators in Europe seeking to pollute” elections in SVG – PM Gonsalves
    Front Page
    ‘Unprincipled non-state operators in Europe seeking to pollute” elections in SVG – PM Gonsalves
    Webmaster 
    September 30, 2025
    Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, told the United Nations (UN) General Assembly a few days ago that entities in the international sphere are seeking...
    Bramble promises $1 million from CBI money for 50  businesses in East Kingstown
    Front Page
    Bramble promises $1 million from CBI money for 50 businesses in East Kingstown
    Webmaster 
    September 30, 2025
    The opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), moved its campaign to Sion Hill last Saturday, September, 27,2025 as it seeks to retain its hold on the Eas...
    PM calls at U N meeting for better deal for Taiwan, Haiti
    Front Page
    PM calls at U N meeting for better deal for Taiwan, Haiti
    Webmaster 
    September 30, 2025
    Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves renewed his call at the United Nations for the inclusion of Taiwan in the organisation’s specialised agencies. Deli...
    Over EC$700,000 paid to VincyMas 2025 Winners
    Front Page
    Over EC$700,000 paid to VincyMas 2025 Winners
    Webmaster 
    September 30, 2025
    More than EC$700,000 in prize money was handed out to the 2025 VincyMas winners, on Sunday night, September, 28,2025, at Carnival City, Victoria Park....
    Caribbean launches Shelter Working Group to boost Disaster Preparedness
    Press Release
    Caribbean launches Shelter Working Group to boost Disaster Preparedness
    Webmaster 
    September 30, 2025
    As the Atlantic Hurricane season reaches its peak, more than 47 disaster management professionals from across the Caribbean and beyond have joined for...
    News
    Rose Place woman  remanded for threatening to “blow out” man’s head
    From the Courts, News
    Rose Place woman remanded for threatening to “blow out” man’s head
    Webmaster 
    September 30, 2025
    A woman who resides at Rose Place was remanded after threatening to “blow out” a farmer’s head. Rasharma Pollard appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’...
    Court grants father’s request for jail time for his son
    From the Courts, News
    Court grants father’s request for jail time for his son
    Webmaster 
    September 30, 2025
    A father’s request was granted when his son, who had pointed a gun at him, was imprisoned. Simon Simmons appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court ...
    Cervical cancer initiative launched in SVG
    News
    Cervical cancer initiative launched in SVG
    Webmaster 
    September 30, 2025
    Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented and even eliminated, provided that countries strengthen their vaccination, screening, ...
    Prayer sustains woman  caring for her husband who has Alzheimer’s Disease
    News
    Prayer sustains woman caring for her husband who has Alzheimer’s Disease
    Webmaster 
    September 30, 2025
    The world recognized Alzheimer’s Day on September, 21, 2025, but for the Muhammad family, of Largo Height, Alzheimer’s is an everyday reality that is ...
    Librarian and Poet uses  spoken-word as a relief Valve
    News
    Librarian and Poet uses spoken-word as a relief Valve
    Webmaster 
    September 26, 2025
    Often times, people’s struggles, insecurities, physical issues and inner pain are masked by an exterior that looks strong, poised and well put togethe...

    E-EDITION
    ePaper
    google_play
    app_store
    Subscribe Now
    • Interactive Media Ltd. • P.O. Box 152 • Kingstown • St. Vincent and the Grenadines • Phone: 784-456-1558 © Copyright Interactive Media Ltd.. All rights reserved.
    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok