by Nisha Paul
- GPA officials flagged multiple concerns affecting tourism, public health, and security
- Harbour’s very slow flushing rate increased long-term environmental and health risks
- Initial notices issued nearly 3 years ago; most recent notice expires on Friday, 6 February
The Grenada Ports Authority (GPA) has begun decisive action to address mounting concerns in the inner harbour at The Carenage, St George’s.
Officials conducted a joint walkthrough of the area on Wednesday night, highlighting serious challenges including restricted public access, safety risks, environmental threats, and damage to the visual appeal of one of Grenada’s most prominent waterfront spaces. They flagged multiple concerns affecting tourism, public health, and security. Chief among them is the environmental impact of vessels permanently docked in the harbour.
According to GPA General Manager Franklyn Redhead, “most of these vessels do not have holding tanks,” meaning black and grey water are being discharged directly into the environment. He explained that The Carenage’s natural design worsens the problem, noting that due to its enclosed structure, the harbour has a “very slow flushing rate,” making it difficult for pollutants to disperse and increasing long-term environmental and health risks.
Redhead said the issue has been allowed to persist far longer than intended. Initial notices for the removal of illegally docked vessels were issued nearly 3 years ago, with vessel owners given two separate 90-day timelines to comply. Both were ignored. “We have had meetings over the years explaining why this is necessary,” Redhead said. “The challenge is vessels being docked in the direct operating zone of the port, which presents risks to other vessels berthing and, of course, to themselves.” He noted that the authority has exercised “extreme forbearance” but stressed that the situation can no longer continue.
The most recent 30-day notice expires on Friday, 6 February. If vessel owners fail to comply, Redhead said the GPA will coordinate with the Grenada Coast Guard and the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) to begin removing vessels starting Monday, 10 February. Limited exceptions will be made for cargo vessels actively offloading goods.
However, Redhead was clear that no vessel will be permitted to berth permanently in The Carenage. He affirmed that the GPA is under no obligation to provide berthing space for vessels. However, Redhead said persons seeking to berth their vessels in the restricted zone “must apply or have a conversation with the Ports Authority in order to do so.”
Alternative berthing locations have been identified, including the outer harbour near Melville Street, the Lagoon, and Clarke Court Bay. These areas were described as safer and suitable options and will be available at no cost to vessel owners.
Under the Ports Authority Act, CAP 247, the Port of St George’s extends from Point Salines to Moliniere, placing The Carenage squarely within the GPA’s regulatory authority. The restricted zone stretches from Sails Restaurant to the W E Julien Building.
Chairman of the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA), Randall Dolland, underscored the importance of restoring safety and accessibility to the waterfront. “If you have a disability or you’re elderly, you should be able to safely walk along The Carenage,” Dolland said. Describing the current conditions, he pointed to erosion of sidewalks, water entering the roadway, pollution, and ropes obstructing pedestrian access. He warned that these conditions undermine Grenada’s reputation as a safe destination for both locals and visitors. “If we are going to continue to be a safe destination, everyone must be able to walk along The Carenage safely,” he added.
The GPA said it will continue working closely with the RGPF and the Grenada Coast Guard to maintain order and ensure that enforcement is carried out safely and professionally.
