ST GEORGE'S, Grenada (CMC):

The Government, in a move to protect Grenada's beaches, has introduced new penalties for person caught removing sand, stone or gravel from the nation's shores.

Environment Minister Joseph Gilbert, in presenting changes to the Beach Protection Act during last Friday's sitting of Parliament, said that the new law would give the police the power to seize vehicles used to commit such acts.

"Where any vehicle, boat or other means of conveyance is used by any person in the removal of any sand, stones, shingles or gravel from a beach, the sea or foreshore, a police officer may, with or without a warrant, seize and detain the vehicle and lay any information in relation to such seizure and detention before a magistrate," Gilbert said.

Fines

He said that persons found guilty would face fines not exceeding EC$15,000 (US$5,725), or a term of imprisonment not exceeding three years.

Former Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell welcomed the initiative, but he said that the authorities should brace for those who would want to test the system.

"While I applaud the action, in doing so I beg of you to make sure that there is an alternative to beach sand at an affordable cost," Mitchell advised.