An excavator valued at several hundred thousand Eastern Caribbean dollars has been destroyed by fire in John Hughes, prompting a police investigation and the questioning of an environmental activist.
The heavy-duty equipment was reportedly set ablaze between the night of Jan. 28 and the morning of Jan. 29 after workers left it at a construction site. It was found severely damaged the next day and deemed beyond repair. The company said it believes the fire was deliberately set, citing significant financial loss.
As part of ongoing inquiries, police interviewed Martin Dudley at the All Saints Police Station on Monday. Dudley, who has publicly raised concerns about excavation activity in the area, denied any involvement.
“I did not destroy the excavator. I know nothing about this machine other than it is working in an area I have been monitoring for over two years,” he said.
No arrests have been made, and investigators say the cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Police are appealing for information.
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It’s quite amazing that the same “authorities” which refused to act against environmental crimes done with this equipment have ran to act against an internationally recognized environmentalist.
Well, who could expect anything else from s government that prostitutes its sovereignty to Japan and keeps voting for whaling at international fora… A&B, a sorry nation indeed.
Now that’s a turn up for the books in the investigations into this hardworking Antiguan businessman and his workforce.
I’m glad that the police are looking at all possibilities as to why this man’s very expensive excavator vehicle was totally destroyed.
Whoever has carried out this intentional damage will be eventually caught and hopefully sent to the notorious 1735 prison to rot, after compensating the business owner.
Anyone who runs a business understands the sacrifice and expense it takes before you even make a penny cent. The first few years tough no hell!
@ José What does it matter if he’s an “internationally recognized environmentalist?” It doesn’t put him above being investigated, and it’s funny how others want to tell indigenous Antiguans how to deal with their resources.
Leave Huckleberry Finn alone
@ jose
Wrong is wrong. If the excavator was not acting against the law of the country, the damage done to it is illegal. Why these so called environmental activists don’t cause damage to the property of the president of the USA, or PM or Royal Family of the UK. They know they would be shot on site and no questions asked. So they come here and flex their muscles in developing countries.
Dear Alo,
First and foremost thisis the first time I have been described as such and is absolutly NOT who I am and most importantly it is not the manner in which this whole affair started for me.
it started on the 19-4-2024 when I reported by phone to the Cheif Forestry Officer of this activity had started, together with calls to appropriate authorities. DCA DoE and the Police.
From my research and study the activity initialy reported is illegal and as of this moment the appropriate persons are very aware of this fact.
I shared this in a written report to support my initial concerns, it is clear that any reasonable person with this information while they may see a motive to suspect me.
However, two points.
Firstly, after twenty months since the incedent report, my call log would reflect that I have persisted in keeping this mater afloat where it should be. If the appropraite actions by the authorities that have the legal obligation, duty of care and legal mandate have so far seemingly failed in that legal requirement supported by the constitution. I very much doubt that fire would have occured, at that location.
Secondly, on the international front. Does our Prime Minister not address the UNGA or the CoP’s in the most strident, empassioned, accurate and truthful manner and word. This so called “environmental activist” is actually a resident of Antigua,Barbuda and Redonda since 1969.
Becoming a citizen after independence, who has taken an oath to basically obey and uphold the law and behave myself. It is some what absurdly ironic that this is the case with the comments of people who have absolutly no idea why, when,where or what really happend here.
I will be making it very public that I do not seek prosecution of the excavator operator or owner who were likely ot aware of the severity of the crime they were conducting, simply out of ignorance.
And while it is claimed that “ignorance of the law is no excuse” in this instance while it may not be an excuse, it is very likely a strong possability and probabilty that this iis genuinely the case.
How would Justice be truely and equitably served if this was the case, there is an element of this not being fair. And those reasons from my research are there and again point to systemic system failures.
So you are able to make your decisions and opinion on this matter, and it is the one that has caused me pause to think, is it not curious and an indication that the author and editor of this news sight might improve their journalist standards.
in this interest I give you and others the link to where the obtained my picture, without having spoken to me on the matter or indeed permission to post my picture which while it does not overly concern me does have my security risk a slight uptick, only slight because that picture is from an FB live I did on the matter, you wil find the comment sections of interest and includes the original report, I hope it can better inform you and other than this article did.
All I am simply doing is seeking “Environmental Justice As A Civil Right ” if an apology is needed to anyone for this, it wont be coming from me.
Have a great day and Walk well.
Martin
Ps – Wonder if the mods will pass this ?
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Ato6WxJGJ/
CORRECTION to my previous comment in reply to Alo
Orginal – “I will be making it very public that I do not seek prosecution of the excavator operator or owner who were likely ot aware of the severity of the crime they were conducting, simply out of ignorance.”
Correction “….were likely unaware of the ….”
Forgive this oversight
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