Police support enlisted in wake of upsurge in illegal sand mining

LONG BAY, Beef Island, VI- Deputy Premier and Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Honourable Julian Fraser RA (R3) is reminding the public of the importance of preserving the Territory’s environment, in light of reports of an upsurge in sand mining activities.

The ministry, according to a press release from the Government Information Service (GIS), has received numerous accounts of sand mining at Long Bay, Beef Island, which is compromising the walkway to the western end of the beach, undermining beach restoration efforts and affecting the long-term health of the beach.

Recent reports have also been received of sand mining in other areas, including Capoon’s Bay.

Criminal offence

The Deputy Premier said, “Our beaches support our quality of life, providing immense recreational, spiritual and health benefits. They are also our main tourist attraction and we need to work together to preserve them and protect them at all cost. It is a duty that collectively, we owe to the environment, our children and grandchildren.”

Residents are reminded that sand mining is a criminal offence prohibited under the Beach Protection Ordinance, 1985 (CAP 233).

The Ordinance states that any person who removes any natural barrier against the sea or who digs and takes away or assists in digging or taking away any sand, stone, gravel or shingle from the foreshore is guilty of an offence.

It is also an offence to remove from any land, including private land, any sand, stone, gravel or shingle if it is likely to result in erosion by the sea. Offenders are liable on summary conviction to a fine of $500 or to imprisonment for a term of 6 months or both. In addition, any boat, vehicle or animal used in connection with the commission of an offence is liable to forfeiture.