Government signals intention to appeal ruling on environmental permit issued to Bengal Development

The Government has signalled its intention to appeal a recent ruling on the environmental permit issued to Bengal Development Limited.

Last week, the Constitutional Court ruled that the 2020 environmental permit issued to the company for a limestone mining project was unconstitutional.

The decision marked a significant win for residents of St. Ann who mounted a legal challenge against the approval.

The Court’s judgment halts plans for quarrying in the Dry Harbour Mountains, an area regarded as environmentally sensitive.

The permit was granted after Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness, in his role as the Minister responsible for the Natural Resources Conservation Authority, overturned the agency’s earlier decision to deny the mining application.

When questioned about the Government’s response at Jamaica House this morning, Information Minister, Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, confirmed that the ruling will be appealed.