‘Stop This Foolishness Now’: Climate Expert Urges Halt to Canash Mangrove Clearing 

By Val Matthias. Updated 6:00 a.m., Monday, September 14, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

Environmental and climate change expert Dr Andrew Simmons is calling on the government to immediately halt the clearing of mangroves at Canash, warning that continued destruction of the area could have serious consequences for the country’s coastline and marine environment.

Speaking to SVGTV News, Simmons said he was saddened by the scale of the clearing and questioned how permission could have been granted for work taking place within an area that forms part of the South Coast Marine Conservation Area.

He questioned who had authorized the activity, arguing that mangroves and coral reefs are part of the public good and should be protected. 

Simmons said the site is home to two of the world’s rarest mangrove species, including the white mangrove and the red mangrove. He described mangroves as a critical natural defence against storms, hurricanes and sea level rise, particularly for vulnerable coastal communities. 

The environmentalist expressed concern that extensive clearing had taken place in what he described as a public space, adding that such work could not have occurred without approval from the relevant authorities.

“Somebody had to be responsible, whether it is the board, the Physical Planning Board or someone. So permission has to be given,” he said. 

Simmons is now calling for a full investigation into the matter.

“My question is, who gives this permission? And if permission is granted, then this needs to be investigated, thoroughly investigated,” he said. 

He also urged the government to stop the work immediately, arguing that years of conservation and restoration efforts are being undone.

“I would also call on government to stop immediately what is taking place,” Simmons said, noting that mangrove restoration projects in the area had received support from regional and international partners, including the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre and the German Government. 

Simmons challenged the notion that the clearing could be justified as development, arguing that true development must strike a balance between economic activity and environmental protection.

“This is not development because development has to be balanced and it has to be in line with the preservation and the conservation of nature,” he said.  

The climate change expert warned that failure to act could result in irreversible damage to the surrounding ecosystemand “this is why I am calling on government to stop this foolishness now” he said.

“It needs to be stopped now because if you continue with it, this entire lagoon, this entire marine park will be completely destroyed,”

His comments add to growing concerns about the future of one of the country’s ecologically significant coastal areas and are likely to intensify calls for answers from the authorities responsible for environmental management and planning approvals.

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About the Author: This story was written and submitted by freelance journalist Mr. Val Matthias, a trained communicator with more than two decades in the media sector. All supporting materials for this story have been presented, vetted, and verified. Mr Matthias can be reached at [email protected]