Jamaicans warned against removing, selling or buying sand, gravel or other quarry materials displaced by Hurricane Melissa

The Mines and Geology Division is warning Jamaicans against removing quarry material such as sand, gravel, marl, silt, and stone that have been deposited in areas arising from Hurricane Melissa, saying such action amounts to illegal extraction and persons may be fined and or imprisoned if prosecuted. The division, in a media release on Friday, stated that although storm events may cause the build-up of loose material, unauthorised removal remains a criminal offence, and both individuals and businesses found participating in illicit mining will be prosecuted.