Basseterre, St. Kitts, 19th August 2023 (ZIZ Newsroom/Press Release): The Department of Environment (DOE) has issued a warning to the public that it is an offence to remove sand from ghauts and beaches without a permit.
The Department was made aware that several operators have been engaging in illegal practices including regularly removing the sand without any legal documentation, and conducting mining activities at undesignated sites, primarily outside of operating hours.
To counter these challenges, the Department is rolling out a campaign to crack down on illegal activities which includes a close partnership with the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force.
According to, Conservation Officer Kashief Hynes uncontrolled mining of the beaches causes erosion. He said, “The illegal practice not only destroys the habitats of plants and animals on the beaches. We all need to protect the beaches and surrounding ecosystems like wetlands, we cannot lose these natural resources that we all enjoy.”
Currently, it is an offence to remove sand from ghauts and beaches without the required permit. According to the law, persons caught will have to pay a fine of up to $10,000XCD, imprisonment for up to one year, or both. Additionally, the equipment or machinery used in connection with the offense can be forfeited.
To mine sand legally, one must first pay at the Public Works Department on Wellington Road. The receipt must then be taken to the Quarry for the issuing of the appropriate ticketing and instructions detailing when and where the sand can be mined.
The Department emphasizes that according to the law, no mining activity should be done outside of the hours of 8 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. on the days specified.