The government will be reviewing the extent of damage to sand dunes in Great Bay, St. Elizabeth on Saturday (February 19).

This following reports of illegal sand mining in the area.

The reports were confirmed following a joint site inspection of the area by the National Environment and Planning Agency, NEPA and the Commissioner of Mines, yesterday (February 16).

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator Matthew Samuda is to lead the initiative on Saturday.

The review team will comprise high level officials from NEPA, the Mines and Geology Division of the Ministry of Transport and Mining, and the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation.

According to Mr. Samuda, an environmental permit would have had to be granted under the Natural Resources and Conservation Act for the removal of the sand.

However, he said no mining license nor environmental permit was issued for the area where mining occurred and as such, NEPA will be taking enforcement action.

Mr. Samuda added that the operator of the facility was instructed, to desist from carrying out the practice until the matter is clarified.

He further stated that he intends to update the cabinet on the matter, and that the full extent of the law would be brought against any operator found to be removing sand illegally.