Senator Lamin Newton has issued a stern warning to individuals engaged in illegal dumping and sand mining at Morris Bay beach in Old Road, calling their actions unpatriotic and environmentally damaging.

In a public statement made after personally visiting the site, Senator Newton expressed concern over the condition of the popular beach, which he says has been turned into an unofficial dumping ground by some individuals, including coconut vendors.

“We have no issue with the coconut vendors plying their trade. As a matter of fact, we admire their entrepreneurial ability in providing for themselves,” Newton stated. “However, choosing to make the beach their personal dumping ground will not be tolerated, nor accepted.”

Newton also revealed that illegal sand mining was discovered during his assessment. According to him, several persons have been removing large quantities of sand from the beach, a practice he warned could result in serious environmental consequences.

“These individuals have been removing loads of sand from the beach which will only create an environmental disaster. Have we become a society of lawlessness, have we lost our national pride?” he asked.

The senator has since alerted the relevant authorities and urged them to take immediate action against those responsible. He reminded the public that both dumping and sand mining without the necessary permissions are criminal offences under Antiguan law.

“Let me be clear, anyone caught committing any of the two aforementioned illegal activities will be subjected to the penalties that are prescribed by law,” Newton cautioned.

He concluded his statement with a call for the restoration of “national pride and patriotism,” urging residents to respect and protect the country’s natural resources.