Placencia Residents Remove Rocks from Beachfront

A group of Placencia residents gathered this morning to remove rocks placed alongside a beachfront in front of a private property. Footage of the incident shows a confrontation between locals and police officers who were called to the scene.

Eyewitnesses report that the residents were acting to reclaim the beachfront, which they say was obstructed by the rocks.

In a formal notice dated February 27, 2025, the Department of the Environment (DOE) instructed the removal of a breakwater located in front of a property in Placencia, Stann Creek District, by 7 March 2025.

Chief Environmental Officer Anthony Mai said in the notice that the lack of consultation with relevant agencies, including the DOE, meant that proper approvals were not obtained. He said, “Given the local knowledge, history, and dynamics of the beach, and conceding the fact that you have not consulted any of the relevant agencies, inclusive of the Department, to obtain the necessary inputs/approvals, you are required to remove the existing breakwater placed in front of your property by 7 March, 2025.”

Mai added, “This decision is taking in consideration of Section 29, read along with Section 31 & 51, of the Environmental Protection Act (EPA), 2020.”

The DOE notice also warned that if the owner fails to comply, it could take legal action and seek reimbursement for any removal costs.