The Killing Of Anguilla
Recently, we noted the removal of sand from the back of one Anguilla’s dunes on Meads Bay beach. The site on which we saw this had been cleared earlier of trees and shrubs, apparently tobuild up the land for development. Since that first clearing, morning glory and some secondary growth had begun to appear on the dune itself and on the land leading to the road.
Usually sand mining using backhoes and dump trucks has happened in the more secluded areas of the island- such as in Sile Bay, Savannah Bay, and Windward Point. This time it happened at the back of one of Anguilla’s premier tourist beaches. Exposed. In the open. For all to see.
Most understand the importance of Anguilla’s sand Anguilla’s beaches and sand dunes have critical economic and environmental value. Sand dunes are among the land’s first line of defense against ground seas, strong wave action associated with tropical depressions and storms, and hurricanes. They help to protect the land behind them. They are also a source of sand for the beaches which naturally grow and erode with the seasons. Beaches and dunes provide habitat for a countless number of species, including endangered sea turtles which nest on many of Anguilla’s beaches (including Meads Bay). The entire dune its front and its back – need to be maintained and kept intact in order to be able to function properly. And considering the number of people who visit Anguilla who love to soak in the sun and the surf, sand helps to support the island’s tourism industry. So why then, even when we know how important it is to protect these precious resources, are they so often destroyed? Is the house that that truckload of sand will go to help build worth the long-lasting damage that is left behind? Should society pay for the long-term damages that one person has so selfishly caused?
Everyone has a role to play when it comes to conserving and protecting Anguilla’s environment – the first is to abide by the laws and regulations that are in place. Sand mining is illegal whether it is a cup-full, bucket-full, or truckload and whether it is from the beach or the dune. We need to take these laws seriously for the island’s health and your own.
When you come to Anguilla, take an island tour with Anguilla Access and enjoy the culture and the people while been eco conscience. anguillaaccess.com
Josveek Huligar
South Hill Anguilla
1-264-772-9827
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