Approximately 60 delegates from civil society groups in Dominica and St. Lucia participated in an environmental law training workshop hosted by Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide (ELAW) and the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET).  Held in Dominica and St. Lucia on November 27^th and 29^th, 2007 respectively, the workshops were supported by the Waitubukili Ecological Foundation (WEF) in Dominica, and the St. Lucia National Trust in St. Lucia.  

The title for the workshops was “Access to Environmental Law: A Training Workshop for Civil Society Groups on Environmental Law.”  The workshops focused on helping local communities, non-governmental representatives, and public officials better understand environmental laws, as well as gain access to environmental justice.  The workshops also  facilitated the development of a regional network to share resources and ideas on environmental issues.    

Participants examined the environmental laws and policy frameworks in their respective countries, and how they could be used to address local environmental issues.  They also looked at regional legislation governing the protection of the Caribbean’s natural resources, and how organizations such as ELAW could assist by providing resources for reviews of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), as well as advice on how to file legal actions.  JET gave a presentation on the Pear Tree Bottom court case to illustrate how Jamaica’s environmental laws had been used to seek recourse for environmental breaches in court.      

In Dominica, participants voiced their concerns about a proposed oil refinery, an oil tank farm built on a riverbed, and a project to expand their airport that is damaging the marine environment.  While in St. Lucia, the main environmental concern was large-scale hotel developments being permitted in ecologically sensitive areas.  Participants from both countries lamented about the lack of public participation in the decision-making process. 

“It was a great opportunity to learn about the state of environmental laws in other Caribbean countries, and to share our experience in Jamaica,” stated Danielle Andrade, JET’s Legal Director. 

“St. Lucia and Dominica seem to face similar challenges and participants in the workshops were equally concerned about the lack of public participation in environmental and planning decisions.  I hope that by sharing JET’s experience in using the law as a tool to protect natural resources, the participants were encouraged to do the same.”  

Bern Johnson, Executive Director of ELAW was also very pleased with the response of the workshop participants and JET’s involvement.  He said, “ JET is playing an invaluable role in the region.  You have stepped up to enforce the law and give Jamaican citizens a voice.  Now, JET is helping other communities in the Caribbean do the same. Congratulations and thanks to JET." 

ELAW is a network of lawyers, operating in more than 60 countries, that facilitates the development and practice of public interest environmental law through exchanges of legal, scientific and technical information.