Pros, cons of project to be weighed

THE possibility of the World Wave Project on Qamea Island seeing the light of day depends on whether it will benefit the community and its impact on the environment.

This was the word from Environment Ministry’s permanent secretary Joshua Wycliffe in response to queries from this newspaper.

He was referring to a proposal to reshape about 1.5 hectares of shallow reef areas in waters off Qamea Island.

Mr Wycliffe said it would be premature for him to say anything while the ministry awaited the company’s environmental impact assessment (EIA) submission.

“It is premature and the reason being to be fair, the law expects us to remark on this based on the facts on the paper and the research and the interests of the public,” Mr Wycliffe said.

“At the end of the day, we do want businesses to flourish and for the communities to benefit.

“If the community says it does not benefit them, then the Government listens.

“So whether it sees the light of day or not depends on what everybody wants and what the environment wants or what it can or cannot take.”

Mr Wycliffe called on local and overseas media to follow facts when reporting on

If the community says it does not benefit them, then the Government listens.

– Joshua Wycliffe

the development.

“It has the potential to raise panic over this, but the department, as far it is concerned, has not received any concern.

“We are waiting for the EIA submissions and we will make a thorough internal scientific assessment and also if we require external experts, we will have them involved.

“The department will follow every environment, social and government requirements that a project not just of this magnitude but any environmental impact they will follow this and once all expert advice has been given, we will consolidate all of that.”