Re: Case No. 290 of 2021: Grenada Land Actors Inc. (GLA) vs. The Physical Planning and Development Authority, Singapore Heng Sheng Pty Grenada Ltd, The Hartman Group Ltd, and Range Developments Grenada Ltd.
The highly anticipated trial in Case No. 290 of 2021 between Grenada Land Actors Inc. (GLA) vs. foreign development firms took place as scheduled on 2 and 3 October 2024, at the High Court No. 3 in St George’s, Grenada. The trial was held in person, with provisions made for several lawyers and clients to participate remotely.
Presiding over the case was Justice Raulston Glasgow.
Both days of the proceedings prioritised preliminary matters. During proceedings, one of the major points of contention was an evidentiary challenge regarding GLA’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports. The reports were argued to be inadmissible on the grounds that they had not been prepared by court-appointed experts. These EIAs were prepared by GLA by qualified experts in their fields and contain critical information and analyses on the potential environmental impacts of the proposed developments, addressing effects on local communities, ecosystems, and agricultural and fishing economies.
Due to time constraints on the second day, oral submissions from all parties could not be completed. As a result, the Court — with the mutual agreement of all parties — decided that all remaining oral arguments will be submitted in writing. Justice Glasgow provided clear guidance to all parties, outlining the specific issues the court wants addressed and set a deadline of 27 December 2024 for the submission of written arguments. Once the submissions have been reviewed, the Judge will deliver his decision.
Throughout this legal journey, GLA has expressed deep gratitude for the continued support of its membership, past and present Board members, as well as key partners such as the Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide (ELAW) and the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN). Special thanks were extended to the dedicated legal team led by KC Leslie Thomas and local counsel Rita Joseph-Olivetti. Their expertise and unwavering commitment have played a pivotal role in advancing this complex case.
The outcome could set a significant precedent and mark a tipping point for Grenada’s enforcement of domestic protocols regarding the approval of developments that may conflict with best practices. It could have far-reaching implications not only on the island but regionally, as more islands prioritise democratic and sustainable approaches to development. These approaches protect local economies, ecosystems and rich cultural geographies that are endangered by current proposed developments.
Grenada Land Actors is a grassroots organisation dedicated to protecting Grenada’s natural environment and advocating for responsible, sustainable development. They work to ensure that all development projects on the island respect the environment, follow legal processes, and involve meaningful public consultation.
GLA
Great! GLA has been working hard
Our environment fo need to be protected 150%. We cannot allow investors do what they want.Our planet need to be healthy, clean for humans, animals and for the next generations. Are they hummingbirds around still? Locals needs to plant more beautiful flowers etc. Let’s teach our kids too.
Thank you! GLA
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