Opposition Spokesperson on Environment Omar Newell has called for the establishment of an independent Environmental Protection Agency, arguing that such an entity would be empowered to make evidence-based decisions in the national interest. His remarks came in response to a Constitutional Court ruling that declared unconstitutional and void the 2020 environmental permit granted to Bengal Development Limited for a proposed limestone mining project in the Dry Harbour Mountains of St. Ann.
Newell characterized the court's decision as a historic victory for residents of St. Ann and for Jamaicans who oppose economic development that comes at the expense of environmental protection, public health, or constitutional rights. The judgment, he argued, demonstrates the necessity for stronger environmental oversight that operates independently of political influence and ministerial discretion.
The People's National Party, which Newell represents, has maintained consistent opposition to the mining project. The party previously warned that the venture posed a significant threat to one of Jamaica's most ecologically sensitive landscapes, its biodiversity, and its critical watershed areas. The Constitutional Court's invalidation of the permit aligns with the opposition's long-standing environmental stance on the matter.
Newell's call for an independent regulatory body reflects broader concerns about how environmental decisions are currently made within Jamaica's governance structure. By proposing a dedicated agency insulated from political and ministerial interference, the opposition seeks to establish a framework where environmental assessments would rest on scientific evidence rather than administrative discretion.
