Deux Branches ESIAs Released Amid Transparency Issues and Community Advocacy

The Deux Branches Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) have been publicly released after six months of advocacy by the Save Deux Branches initiative. Concerns include allegations of environmental harm and potential illicit activities at the quarry site. Access to the ESIAs was limited, prompting activists to share the documents online and deliver copies to the affected Kalinago community. The community emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability as they prepare to submit feedback within a tight deadline.

Published Mar 21, 2026

The Deux Branches Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) are now public following over six months of advocacy by the Save Deux Branches initiative. Allegations suggest that quarrying in the area could mask illegal copper mining, sanctioned by local authorities.

AI-curated by Theia

The government provided limited access to the ESIAs, restricting viewing to three copies for 1.5 hours each at their Roseau office, with no online availability or copies in the impacted Kalinago Territory. Activists responded by sharing documents online and delivering printed copies to the Kalinago Council.

With only seven days to comment on the documents, the urgency for transparency has intensified. Key issues include discrepancies in the ESIA versions, superficial scientific assessments, and the quarry's overlap with the Northern Forest Reserve.