La Sagesse, St David, Grenada, May 2025.
Dear Honourable Prime Minister,
We write to you with deep concern and a heavy heart regarding the recent development at La Sagesse Beach, where boulders have been placed by developers in a manner that obstructs access to a part of one of Grenada’s most treasured natural assets.
La Sagesse Beach is not just a stretch of sand and sea; it is part of our collective identity, our livelihood, and our birthright. Generations of Grenadians have walked its shores freely, swum in its waters, and found peace and recreation in its beauty. The placement of physical barriers by developers signals more than just a project; it signals a threat to the very principles of public ownership and environmental stewardship that we, as people, have long defended.
We must not forget the historical context that governs beach access in Grenada. In 1973, Maurice Bishop led one of the most significant social victories secured by our people, which guaranteed free access to all beaches. When Lord Brownlow, a British aristocrat, fenced off access to the beach and surrounding land, the people responded with courage and unity. A People’s Trial was not held in a courtroom, which you are very much familiar with; it was held under the shade of an almond tree, on the very land where the injustice occurred. This was a foundational act that represented the breaking of colonial-era barriers and affirmed the belief that Grenada belongs to all Grenadians, not just the powerful or wealthy, but every man, woman, and child, regardless of class or creed. That tree stood as a living witness to a bold and peaceful act of resistance.
It is because of this legacy that Grenadians to this day enjoy what many in the world still fight for: the right to free, unhindered access to every beach on this island. Any action that challenges this right is not just a violation of the law or public trust; it is an affront to our history and to the sacrifices made by those who came before us.
We call on you, Prime Minister, you are not only the head of government but also the Parliamentary Representative for the very constituency where La Sagesse is located. This gives your voice and actions even greater weight in addressing this urgent matter. We, the people of the area and indeed the nation, are looking to you to take swift and decisive action to investigate and address this situation. The people of this community and the nation are looking to your office to uphold the legacy of 1973 and the rights secured since our independence in 1974.
We respectfully urge you to: –
- order the immediate removal of all boulders placed on the beach
- launch a full investigation into the legality and approval process surrounding the current development activities
- reaffirm your government’s unwavering commitment to protect the environment
- strengthen legislation and enforcement mechanisms to prevent future encroachments on public lands and our natural heritage
This issue is not one of partisan debate; it is a national one. It is a matter of national pride, environmental justice, and protection of a right that touches the core of who we are as Grenadians.
Let La Sagesse, Honourable Prime Minister, be a place of peace and not protest. Let us not retreat from the gains secured by those who fought courageously at La Sagesse in 1973. We hope and trust that your government will act swiftly and with the moral clarity that this moment demands.
Regards,
Concerned citizens
The Grenada Land Actors is a non-partisan network of professionals, organisations, and private landowners with a shared interest in the sustainable development of Grenada’s land resources. Formed from a petition in 2020, the organisation has blossomed to become an important voice of environmental advocacy, calling for more transparent, accountable, and publicly accessible development processes. The Grenada Land Actors’ mission is ultimately to ensure that Grenada’s development path respects both national laws and international commitments to sustainability.
The subject of sea defence requires careful attention. Although our beaches will be under threat, there needs to be an open discussion about how public and private needs can be met simultaneously. With zero public consultation, I fear that public needs will lose out.
Surprised with people giving there opinions without knowing what’s the work all about, the work done aimed to protect the beach from erosion and sargassum and beautification of the beach with denying public access but in the contrary it’s making access better and safer .
All can visit the work and judge by them selves.
The reason options are needed to protect against erosion on the beach, is the removal of the mangroves. If the mangroves had not been removed there would be no need for the boulders.
Public ownership just means people keep screwing themselves over like idiots
What have you ever done for the beach or society? At least resorts help make the area look better and bring in taxes and jobs.
Dear Prime Minister,
As a proud Grenadian and one who believes in our constitution I fully support the contents of this open letter to you, and urge you and your government to take the immediate necessary action to (a) stop what is happening on this lovely beach (b) make the developer/s restore the area to its previous environmental condition at their cost and (c) specify a minimum time span for the damage to be satisfactorily make good. Thank you
Couldn’t agree more Ewell said
Developers care not about the people rather they see money in their pockets. If this is not stopped soon beaches will become the property of the developers pushing out citizens in favor of paying tourists.
Agree completely, Look at history…the beaches are for the people of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. We must stop this before it becomes okay to block the beaches from general public use.
Take a look at Jamaica, DO we want to end up like that island?