Minister responsible for the Environment Hon. Joseph Gilbert says there must be an immediate stop to sand mining in Carriacou and on the mainland (Grenada). Following a cabinet directive to address the problem of Sand Mining in Carriacou, the Minister led a delegation on Wednesday September 10, 2008 to the sister isle to get a firsthand look at the situation there. Three of the worst affected areas on the sister isle were visited; Grand Bay, Mt Pleasant and Tibeau. The destruction of mangroves and wetlands in Mt Pleasant, the washing away of artifacts in Grand Bay and the degradation of a cemetery in Tibeau were evident. The Environment Minister noted that it's the opportune time for Grenadians to "understand the severity of this matter and be more conscious of their environment." He wants buyers of sand to take a second to look at the alternative that is being made available. "It would be a challenge for persons who are in the process of building, to pay a little extra but it would be worthwhile," said the Minister. Minister Gilbert said, Gravel Concrete and Emulsion Production Corporation, the producers of quarry sand, has done numerous tests to ensure that they could produce and provide a good quality product for both concrete and plastering works for construction. Gravel and Concrete Manager Frederick Antoine, who also accompanied the Minister to Carriacou said that he hopes to meet with truckers in Grenada and Carriacou to enlighten them on the need to use quarry sand. The Minister also called for the assistance of the community to report any incidence of sand mining on our beaches. The Environment Minister was accompanied by Minister for Carriacou and Petit Martinique Affairs Sen. George Prime, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of the Environment Veda Bruno-Victor, Engineer John St Louis and General Manager of Gravel Concrete and Emulsion Production Corporation Frederick Antoine and Head of the Concrete Division of the Corporation, Henry Marryshow. Inside Grenada News