Standoff Between a Project Proponent to Calodyne Hotel and Fishermen in the Region

The deterioration of relations between the two parties was illustrated by a demonstration of fishermen on a site Calodyne Wednesday, January 18, 2012.

The source of this conflict is a project which involves the construction of a hotel and rehabilitation of the lagoon. The fishermen insist that their project will cause considerable damage and will be a long-term threat to their livelihood.They fear that the ecosystem of the region take a shot too.

"We are supportive of the decision of the fishermen in the region since the beginning rose up against the realization of this project. We believe that the Ministry of the Environment should not have granted an Environment Impact Assessment for this company. Because it means that this project will have no impact on its immediate environment. We do not share this view. We will go after our approach. This case is in the hands of our lawyers, " says Ramphul Judex, president of the Association of Fishermen of Mauritius.

For their part, proponents of the Creolia (Hotel Management) Limited, in a document issued through Imagine Communications in Wednesday, January 18, 2012, deplored the behavior of fishermen involved in the protest movement.

"We have all the permits and approvals required for the rehabilitation of the lagoon and construction of a hotel. These permits were issued by the competent authorities including the Ministry of Environment in consultation with the Ministry of Fisheries, Housing and Lands, council district of North Beach and the Authority and other " show- they.

They indicate that all measures are taken to ensure compliance with the conditions imposed by the authorities concerned. They give a guarantee that everything is done in full cooperation and transparency with the relevant authorities. They appeal to fishermen who have expressed their dissatisfaction January 18, 2012 so that the communication started many years with people directly involved in the project including the fishermen of St Francis, and Miss Piti can continue in full serenity.

Proponents, however, recorded a statement to the police about the presence of the fishermen on the work site.