Mangrove-clearing was necessary to facilitate development

Dear Editor,
I note, with concern, the emerging controversy between the concepts ‘Economic Development’ and ‘Mangrove Eradication’.
Firstly, I should wish to welcome and congratulate Tristar for their bold and massive investment of US$100-US$150 million in the construction and establishment of a Shore Base on the western side of the Demerara River, and to indicate the tremendous benefits the region will gain in jobs and developmental improvements.
The Minister of Public Works’ intervention in the matter was instrumental in avoiding unnecessary delays to the project and in laying out the alternatives that the contractors have in building steel piling defence around the proposed site to avoid flooding and erosion in the absence of mangroves.
Tristar’s investment – which now stands as the most significant to date, given its current size – will definitely shift the playing field with less costly logistics for oil and gas, which in the long run will reduce the burden the people of Guyana will have to face, as currently experienced with Exxon or any other company that will be engaged in oil and gas exploration and production.
Any logically-thinking Guyanese can acknowledge that there have not been any significant investments made on that side of the Demerara River, and, as such, should welcome this venture.
I am sure that, as the project progresses, Tristar will be outlining their scope and plans for development, and the positive impact it will have on the region and Guyana as a whole.
The corridor from La Grange to Vreed-en-Hoop promises to be the epicentre of commercial activities in the oil and gas sector, with Tristar leading the way.
From the construction phase to the commencement of the Shore Base, jobs and other related economic enterprises will mushroom and revitalise that area in a manner reminiscent of the days when it was a hub of activities for the sugar and rice industries.
We must express our pride in understanding that the owner of Tristar is a Guyanese entrepreneur who has taken on unprecedented risk of developing a port facility to handle extreme loading and logistical conditions which the oil and gas industry demands. The success of this port facility would be an overall win for Guyana, since we will not have to pay exorbitant costs in US dollars for each shipment of materials from our oil fields to Trinidad and back.
While this is not the first time, and definitely will not be the last time, mangroves are cleared to facilitate development, though unfortunate, it is necessary.

Sincerely,
Captain B Blackman
AA (Mech. Navy)