The Grenada Land Actors (GLA), representing Grenadian communities, are in a critical battle against three colossal tourist resorts encroaching upon some of the most sensitive coastal areas of the country. These include the country’s only Ramsar site, a protected wetland to the north of the island which serves as a nesting area for endangered leatherback sea turtles and critical dry forest habitat to the south which is home to our national bird the Grenada Dove, one of the most endangered birds in the world. The third site, one of the most important birding sites on the island at La Sagesse has already been destroyed by one of these developments. This is a systematic and massive land grab, threatening Grenada’s pristine environment. This onslaught of development not only threatens the natural heritage cherished by locals but also undermines their rights to enjoy and protect their own land. Many of these developments are either damaging local beaches or preventing local persons from accessing them. 

GLA’s legal action targets the Government, specifically challenging the Physical Planning and Development Authority, and the permissions that were granted to these developments. In almost all cases, public consultation was either lacking or non-existent, and the planning documents were not being made available to the public. 

In the case of each development, GLA reviewed the environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and found major gaps,  flaws and inaccuracies; some cases old outdated EIAs were relied on, and did not properly consider the marine environment, but some cases (such as the approval of the Levera golf course), a new EIA was not conducted. In the majority of all the cases, public consultation was either lacking or non-existent and the planning documents were not made available to the public.

Through the court case, GLA has obtained access to the reports, allowing them to review and circulate the findings. The court case is a beacon of hope and empowers Grenadians to confront unsustainable projects for example: the Mt. Hartman University and Town Resort, which plans to destroy critical wetlands and mangrove basins, while catering exclusively to foreign students; and the Grenada National Resort at Levera whose golf course will jeopardise the nesting grounds of endangered leatherback turtles. 

Both of these developments will also be a major drain on local water resources, which are currently overextended due to the major drought that Grenada is currently experiencing. These unchecked developments neglect fundamental concerns like water scarcity, public access, agricultural runoff, and waste management. This disregard not only endangers the environment but also undermines the rich tapestry of Grenadian culture. 

This neglectful approach by policymakers sacrifices long-term sustainability for short-term financial gains through these developments. All of which are funded by the Citizenship by Investment Scheme. The consequences of this myopic strategy are dire, and irreversible – this nature of decision-making by our leaders is a direct betrayal of Grenadians who call this island home and every future generation all for the sake of temporary financial gain. 

The future of Grenada has been put up for sale to the highest bidder. In this crucial moment, the Grenada Land Actors urgently need our support to safeguard their land, culture, and future.