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Government's goals not at odds with environmental issues - PM Holness

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Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness
 
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness is seeking to assure stakeholders that the government's goals are not at odds with those of environmental advocates and conservationists. 
 
This follows concerns last week by Jamaica Environment Trust and other civil society organisations that environmental issues are being sidelined in favour of economic growth and infrastructure projects in the country. 
 
They argue that environmental monitoring is weak, environmental laws are inconsistently enforced and political leaders are not adequately addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. 
 
But Dr. Holness has reaffirmed the government's commitment to environmental stewardship through robust legal frameworks and practical operational measures. 
 
"The Government of Jamaica is very sensitive to issues of the environment and this sensitivity is even more acute as the government embarks upon a very transformational infrastructure development plan. And as we utilise our environmental and natural assets, we are very careful that the utilisation of such assets are properly protected, both from a regulatory standpoint to put in place the overarching legal and regulatory framework, from an administrative point of view to ensure that the institutions are in place to enforce the law and the regulations, and from an operational standpoint," he declared. 
 
The Prime Minister was addressing residents, business interests and other stakeholders after a tour of Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay, St. James on Friday. 
 
The beachfront area at Harmony Beach Park has been reopened following a temporary closure to address a water quality issue the Urban Development Corporation said was caused by microscopic algae called red tide. 
 
More than $500 million will be spent to repair growing damage from storm surges early this year and other works at the attraction.


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