Residents, 

St. Capital Holdings Ltd, whoever they are, wants to operate a quarry in Spring, Bequia. We stand AGAINST mining in Spring.

Quarrying at Spring, Bequia, will damage the indigenous plants and animals native to the area. Spring is also home to many migratory species of turtles, birds and other animals. Its reef system and shallow water act as a nursery for many species. The quarry run off during rains will destroy the beautiful Spring beach and its reef structure which protects that coastal area. 

The mining activity will create excessive noise and dust that will affect the residents in the surrounding areas through to Port Elizabeth. There is a natural wind channel from Spring to Port Elizabeth. This dust will travel further through the inner sections of the island, landing on roofs; and polluting one of our most precious resources, our drinking water, which we collect from our roofs. We have no rivers, springs or government established water system.

Additionally, the impact on our already poor and limited infrastructure, mainly the roads, will be devastating. The constant movement of heavy equipment through the area will create significant damage to an already weak and aging road network. These roads have not been maintained or repaired for decades.

Furthermore, the promise that no blasting will be done are only words. There is no guarantee that this will not change as the quarry progresses. Since financial profit and not infrastructural development is the target, they will inevitably expand to include mining. Our health and survival is of little interest to them.

The quarry will also negatively impact our greatest revenue source, our tourism product. Spring is an area frequented by tourists and is part of the tour package offered by numerous businesses. Tourist will not pay to be sunbathing in dust and noise, increasing their risk of respiratory illnesses.

Finally, there is no evidence of an Environmental Impact Study (EIS)  nor consultation with residents. The quarry was abandoned decades ago; probably with justifiable reasons, that needs to be investigated.

We are currently witnessing the wanton devastation of the Leeward coast as a result of quarrying.  Rich farm lands and pristine forest and rivers are being laid to waste, roads covered in mud regularly,  fish nurseries at river mouth destroyed. The people are living in regret. We cannot let this happen to our beautiful Spring Beach. Stand up and protect it. Please SIGN!!!