Concerned Citizens Advocacy Goup
OPEN LETTER to The Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Hon. Philip J Pierre, Minister for Planning, Hon. Stephenson King, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Ernest Hilaire, Chair of the DCA Ignatius Jean.
For urgent clarification regarding the Queen’s Chain leases along the north-east coast of Cap Estate / Cas en Bas and the Cabot project.
We, the Concerned Citizens Advocacy Group/ Iounalao Activists, authors of the original petition created in November 2019, for sustainable development at the site of the Cabot project, (https://www.change.org/SaveSaintLuciansRights were pleased to hear the unofficial announcement that the Cabinet had taken the decision “that complete access to the beach must not be restricted” and further, “That to access those beaches, by virtue of the fact that all of the lands around those beaches are private, owned by Cabot now, that the Queen’s Chain must be released and Cabinet has taken that decision” (Hon. Stephenson King, State of the Nation, February 2nd 2022)
However, we remain extremely concerned about the details of the arrangement and wish to be given clarification on the following
Beaches
There are in fact five (5) beaches along this coast, and other coastal assets that should remain accessible to all:
1) Cas en Bas Beach
2) 2nd Beach” to the north of Cas en Bas and of the reclaimed land that covered the original wave-cut platform
3) Further north is “Secret Beach” where Cabot had planned to place two private residences
4) Donkey Beach / Anse du Banc – well-known and with traditional vehicular access via Cap Estate, Finch Road / Denis Drive
5) Pebble Beach just south of the promontory where the remaining Turks Head cactus were located
Assets and Damages
We recognize the immense natural beauty that this entire north-east coast was known for, drawing thousands to the area annually to enjoy and benefit of the “wonderment” of the coastal seascapes, geology, flora and fauna.
These natural coastal ecosystems and the beauty we all enjoyed, have been decimated by the works already undertaken by the Cabot project, exposing coastal soils, natural and cultural heritage, to erosive forces of wind and rains and we fear, irreparable losses to some of the nation’s assets.
Some of the coastal elements of particular interest are
1. The Lavoutte archaeological site encompassing the entire promontory at the north end of Cas en Bas Beach, north along the water’s edge and inland to the top of the hill, including the northern end of the beach itself.
2. The wave-cut platform just south of “2nd Beach”, currently buried under the land reclamation which contained various geological and ecological elements of interest and was widely used for access to 2nd Beach as well as for school educational trips, fishers.
3. The cactus grove forming the inner edge of “Secret Beach” containing at least 4 varieties of cactus.
4. The wave-cut platform north of “Secret Beach” also of geological interest, ecological importance, used by fishers and a favourite scenic area for all.
5. The raised sea-bed area with fossilized shells at the top of the hill directly south of Donkey Beach –current state of intactness unknown.
6. The ridge south of Donkey Beach with Opuntia cactus stand and numerous other flora and fauna
7. The promontory and coast north of the promontory where the Turks Head Cactus grows.
8. The “Cactus Valley” just inland and north of Donkey Beach
9. The diverse flora along the pre-existing paths including mature wild trees.
10. The loss of habitat for coastal species – birds, crustaceans, insects, lizards, bees, and all others.
These five beaches and the coast connecting them, have long been accessible 24 hours a day, via foot, horse, cycle, motor-vehicle.
People of all walks of life have been freely able to enjoy the use of this entire coastal area for recreation, education, fishing, small tourism and other business for many generations.
We reiterate we wish this traditional access to the entire coastal strip / Queen’s Chain to be fully and legally protected in perpetuity and request clarification on:
1) Confirmation that the entire Queen’s Chain will be released back to the State.
2) Confirmation of what legally binding method will be used to ensure that the Queen’s Chain cannot be leased in the future.
3) That the Cabot project be required to withdraw all works, golf course, real estate and any other, to behind the inland limit of the Queen’s Chain.
4) That Cabot make good all damages to the Queen’s Chain in areas where permissions for works were not authorised and / or where ecological or cultural damage needs to be repaired.
5) That the Lavoutte Archaeological Site be declared a protected area / site of memory and an interpretation centre and related facilities be constructed at a suitably protected position; artefacts and remains to be returned to the area for suitable display/preservation – as to be decided by consultation with the relevant stakeholders.
6) Stakeholder consultations take place with traditional /existing users to better regulate and share the assets of the area ensuring safety and ecological health of the area. An immediate meeting to include, but not limited to; representatives of this group, the Save Cas en Bas Beach Group, fishers, horse-riding stables, tour guides, photographers, exercise coaches, youth groups and schools who have made use of the are in the past
We further request an immediate moratorium on any leasing of Queen’s Chain throughout Saint Lucia until completion of
1) thorough public discussion on revisions on the use of Queen’s Chain in Saint Lucia
2) subsequent changes to laws and regulations for protection of this national asset in a manner that best serves the needs of the Nation now and for future generations.
Our initial thoughts on this larger matter include the following:
As a means of Defence for the Nation:
We cannot discount the old interpretation of military defence, but we now must recognise the need to defend our island from the dangers of Climate Change such as rising sea levels and increased extreme weather events; coastal erosion due to land use changes for agriculture, housing, infrastructure; increasingly damaged coastal waters because of pollution; stresses from overuse by tourism; defence against crimes such as drugs trafficking, sand-mining, turtle poaching, human trafficking and so on.
Considering a modern interpretation of the benefit of the state:
The interest of the state is truly the interest of the people of Saint Lucia. We can no longer pretend that the privileges and benefits of the limited assets of the island should not be first and foremost for the benefits of her citizens in perpetuity.
Various forms of commerce and industry can certainly be considered as serving the benefit of the people and the nation - the state. However, as the Covid pandemic has shown the world, public spaces to enjoy healthy pastimes are crucial to the health of the nation: Places to pass time with friends and family, exercise, meditate, teach, relax, play: these are vital and have both social and economic impacts.
Similarly, the ecosystem services provided by healthy natural spaces must be held in high value. Our land’s ability to withstand natural disaster, to provide healthy food, to clean and cool air: These are all for the benefit of the State.
We insist there be meaningful consultations and public discussions and we call for:
1. Where economic gains are to be derived from access to and use of the assets within the Queen’s Chain, that these be reserved for citizens first and permanent residents thereafter.
2. Where existing leases exist, that lessees are given notice of early termination of existing leases and government / authorities enter negotiations for gradual removal of built assets from the Queen’s Chain area.
3. Where any development/building or other economic use is allowed in the area, this be limited to small, eco-friendly, minimal construction to be strictly guided by specific constraints (to be drawn up in consultation with relevant stakeholders)
4. Where any lease of the Queen’s Chain is considered/granted, that it be only for minimal facilities and not for extended periods or emphyteutic leases and that any lessee be required to ensure equitable access and facilities for all.
We look forward to your confirmation of receipt of this letter by return mail and further, of your response to our concerns stated herein.
On behalf of the Concerned Citizens Advocacy Group/ Iounalao Activists