An aerial view of Goat Islands. If the port development goes ahead, the islands would be dynamited (along with the Taino settlement at the top of Great Goat Island) and pushed into the sea. (Photo: Max Earle)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 11, 2014
KINGSTON, JAMAICA

GOVERNMENT ISSUES ANOTHER CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION TO PREVENT RELEASE OF INFORMATION ON GOAT ISLANDS TRANSSHIPMENT PORT PROJECT

The Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) has learned that the Minister of Transport, Works and Housing, the Hon. Dr. Omar Davies, has issued a new Certificate of Exemption to exempt agreements and proposals on the proposed transshipment port near Goat Islands from public disclosure. The new Certificate, dated October 24, 2014, claims that the information is exempt from disclosure because premature disclosure would, or could reasonably be expected to, have a substantial adverse effect on the Jamaican economy, or the Government’s ability to manage the Jamaican economy.

The new…