Illegal quarrying – a crime!

Indeed, it is astonishing that these persons actually have an Association. Clearly, given the transgressions of its members, this is not a body with any code of ethics. Luckily for them, the law as presently constituted only allowed the magistrate to fine the offenders the paltry sum of $200. So, for stealing State property and probably damaging the environment, these persons have paid a fine equivalent to a speeding ticket — and the money of course is easily covered by the profits they had surely made before the authorities put a stop to their illegal activities.

The Government must be commended for this action, and must pursue it. It may not be that the men caught were the main targets, because there is evidence that a certain fundamentalist religious organisation is the main culprit behind the illegal quarrying. But, for whatever reason, that organisation’s agents were not among those held. However, the psychological victory the State has won in this battle outweighs any monetary benefits. But two things have to happen now — one, the Government must ensure that the illegal quarrying does not resume; and, two, the law must be changed so that those who transgress will feel the pinch when caught.

In the first instance, the Government clearly cannot maintain permanent patrols on those quarries. But, over the next few months at least, the police and army must make regular checks on the status of quarries in the area. It might also be useful for the relevant authorities to start investigating this East Zone Quarry Association, get a listing of the Association’s members, and check all of them, starting with those who were fined. Here is where the Board of Inland Revenue can play a useful role. If these persons were quarrying illegally, they must have made significant profits. Were taxes paid on those profits? Will these persons, all contractors of some sort, have proper accounts? We are sure that the BIR will find much to mine in this area.

Then there is the matter of the quarrying law. Obviously, the fine must be increased and it may even be useful to put a jail term into the new legislation. The government should also draw up specific guidelines for purchasers of aggregate — a regulation which may actually affect the government itself, since its agents may have purchased aggregate from some of these illegal quarry operators. But any new law must make it mandatory, if it is not so already, that aggregate can only be purchased from operators who have a valid licence. Any other course would make the buyer an accessory to the crime.

This is an issue which may not be so important in terms of the actual money being stolen from the State, but it is crucial in creating a culture of law and order. Illegal quarrying signals that the State cannot defend the very land it owns. Stopping such activities will show that no one, including business people and armed, so-called religious individuals can defy the State and get away with it.