The Department of Environment (DoE) says the US $250 million Peace Love & Happiness project in the Palmetto area in Barbuda poses a potential of major risks to human life on the island.
In a letter from the department dated November, 19th, 2019, said the project presented “a potential risk to the entire water system of Barbuda, human life as well as to wildlife and the eco systems”.
While the department granted permission in principle for Phase 1 of the Peace, Love and Happiness (PLH) golf course project, it made it clear that the developers must complete an Environmental Management Plan after the project has been commissioned.
“The developer should also be aware of the vulnerability of the site to the impact of climate change; particularly to sea level rise and storm surges and should therefore take the necessary steps to incorporate adaptation measures into the design of the project,” the letter continued.
The department further noted in its review report that some of the proposed injection wells, extraction wells and a proposed irrigation pond are outside of the boundaries of the project, recommending that the developers verify whether the use of these lands are permitted.
Meanwhile, a research, conducted by the Global Coral Reef Alliance (GCRA), a non-profit organisation for protection and sustainable management of coral reefs, documents its findings which suggest that the project “should be rejected on several grounds”.
Also earlier this month, Barbuda Member of Parliament Trevor Walker says he will oppose aspects of the Peace Love & Happiness project on environmental grounds.
“And I want to make it abundantly clear that our position has been that we are not going to compromise the integrity of our environment for anybody,” Walker told residents.
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I have not heard the origin of the Peace, Love and Happiness project – (it sounds like the name of an aging VW bus in the mid 1960s) but it’s possible that it’s just a catchy name with its origins in the East. Could Barbuda not just stay as it is (was) until the sovereign people of Barbuda decide they want a change? Why does everyone know better what is in the best interests of Barbuda and her people?
Why should PLH build barriers for a storm surge? It’s their investment… so… if they do not want a wall, then it’s their prerogative. As for wells… I fail to see how that can affect everyone on the island.
In Codrington, septic tanks are 40 feet away from wells. Fecal matter is sharing the same water table. That is a health bomb awaiting to explode. That is what they should be really worried about.
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