The Grenada Ports Authority (GPA) has initiated decisive enforcement measures to address critical environmental and public safety concerns in The Carenage inner harbor, setting a firm Friday deadline for the removal of illegally docked vessels. Following years of warnings and unheeded compliance notices, officials are now coordinating with coast guard and police forces to restore safety and environmental integrity to one of Grenada’s most iconic waterfront areas.
During a comprehensive joint inspection conducted Wednesday evening, GPA officials documented multiple systemic issues including severely restricted public access pathways, navigational hazards, and substantial environmental contamination. The situation has been exacerbated by vessels permanently moored in the harbor without proper waste containment systems, leading to direct discharge of black and grey water into the marine environment.
GPA General Manager Franklyn Redhead explained the unique geographical challenges compounding the pollution problem: “The harbor’s enclosed design creates an extremely slow flushing rate, preventing natural dispersion of contaminants and creating accumulated long-term environmental and health risks.” He emphasized that most vessels lack holding tanks, making the harbor effectively an open sewer.
The regulatory timeline reveals extensive forbearance by authorities. Initial removal notices were issued nearly three years ago, with vessel owners receiving two separate 90-day compliance periods—both ignored without consequence. Redhead stated the current 30-day notice expires Friday, February 6th, after which coordinated removal operations will commence on Monday, February 10th.
Beyond environmental concerns, the situation presents tangible safety hazards. Vessels docked in direct operating zones create risks for legitimate commercial traffic and themselves, while deteriorating infrastructure has created physical dangers for pedestrians. Eroded sidewalks, flooded roadways, and obstructed access points particularly endanger elderly and disabled citizens attempting to navigate the waterfront.
Grenada Tourism Authority Chairman Randall Dolland highlighted the tourism implications: “These conditions fundamentally undermine our reputation as a safe destination. Everyone should be able to walk safely along The Carenage—this is non-negotiable for both residents and visitors.”
Authorities have identified alternative berthing locations at no cost to vessel owners, including the outer harbor near Melville Street, the Lagoon, and Clarke Court Bay. These areas provide safer, more appropriate mooring conditions without the environmental constraints of the inner harbor.
The GPA operates under clear legal authority granted by the Ports Authority Act, CAP 247, which designates the Port of St George’s as extending from Point Salines to Moliniere. The restricted zone encompassing The Carenage runs from Sails Restaurant to the W E Julien Building.
Limited exceptions will be granted for cargo vessels actively offloading goods, but no permanent berthing will be permitted. Vessel owners seeking temporary access must now apply directly to the Ports Authority for consideration.
The enforcement operation represents a significant shift from years of patient negotiation to decisive action, with authorities pledging to work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure safe and professional implementation of harbor regulations.