MAHO--Nature Foundation has sent official letters of complaint to Government and private sector representatives seeking clarity about the dumping of sand on Maho Beach in recently days. The Foundation has requested an explanation on the procedure used for the dumping of sand, and for copies of the permits issued for the work.
The Nature Foundation reiterated in a press statement the “urgent need for legislation” to protect beaches as natural habitats for the benefit of residents and visitors.
“We have received complaints and have investigated what is apparently an incident of illegally dumped sand on Maho Beach,” said Tadzio Bervoets of Nature Foundation in a press statement.
“A significant amount of very poor quality sand mixed with top soil was dumped on Maho Bay next to Sunset Bar and Grill. No permit was issued for such work nor was Nature Foundation consulted on the feasibility of dumping sand on the popular beach,” Bervoets said.
“If it turns out to be indeed a case were sand has been dumped illegally this is an unfortunate example of a total disregard for laws or ecological concerns that the dumping of the sand may have,” he said.
There are some coral right outside the bay which could be seriously damaged when the poor quality sand gets washed away into the bay. The sand could also have health effects on people using the beach.
“The sand will also result in very poor water quality at the beach, which is an adverse tourism effect and contrary to what St. Maarten would want to market itself as in terms of a tourist destination,” said Bervoets.
