Blue Economy C.E.O Weighs in on Placencia Beach Erosion

In early March, we reported how Placencia Village residents took action after the Department of Environment ordered a beachfront property owner to remove an unauthorized breakwater. When the property owners didn’t comply, the residents banded together to dismantle it. We spoke with Beverly Wade, the CEO of the Ministry of Blue Economy, about the incident. She emphasized that it underscores the need for more comprehensive national policies to address these kinds of issues.

 

Beverly Wade, C.E.O., Ministry of Blue Economy

“My understanding about it is that the individual property had put in some structures to alleviate the erosion in that community. That effort was not permitted. So, the DOE had instructed that they should remove what was put in their. The actual enforcement of that stop order, my understanding is there was a gap between that being done and that is where the community went down there to do it. I very much appreciate the passion from the community. That is what we need. It is one of things I have always appreciated. We have strong ownership of the space, but I would want to encourage the communities to coordinate and if needs be to call the relevant authorities. What we don’t want is the kind of situation where communities go in and take action into their own hands. My understanding is that is what has occurred there. I think it is time for us to look at the issue more holistically and put in some national policies that will address and help both developers, communities and all of us have a better understanding of how we help the situation.”