THE EDITOR: I am amused but not surprised that the island’s biggest and most successful local contracting company, with the cleanest record of delivery and service, is again under criticism by locals for wanting to open a new quarry in Laborie that will provide employment for more Saint Lucians, including villagers.
Some were quoted in the press on the weekend opposing Rayneau’s request for DCA approval to open a quarry in Laborie, because they already have one. The opposers claimed the government should not allow Rayneau’s request to open a new one.
But how can that be a proper argument when they haven’t even seen or heard what Rayneau has in mind, or what type of equipment he plans to use, but have already concluded that his operation would simply add to the problems they already have.
The complaining residents learned of Rayneau’s application through a public billboard erected by the DCA in the area with all the related information. However, instead of arriving at a premature conclusion on the basis of how the current company has operated over so many years, the complaining villagers would perhaps do better to meet with Rayneau’s first and hear about its plans and how it will address their concerns, if approved.
Workers with Rayneau’s for a long time say his company has always tried to be more careful where others have cared less, like in ensuring all his trucks carrying sand and dusty materials are always properly covered. CIE was also the first company to introduce electric/electronic and air-conditioned heavy-duty tractors, cranes and other upgraded construction equipment, starting at the company’s technologically-advanced Cul De Sac quarry.
Rayneau also has a longer record of good corporate citizenship than any other local construction company, from supporting carnival and calypso and backing young entrepreneurs and to helping the Victoria Hospital COVID Respiratory Hospital.
Everywhere, Rayneau’s services are appreciated. Every Saint Lucia government depends on his companies to deliver everything from roads to schools, fastest and in good order. Likewise, most big private sector firms wanting to build hotels quickly and efficiently (like The Royalton) or health centers, even churches, also choose Rayneau’s.
Nobody wants a quarry near their home, but not all quarries are the same. CIE (Rayneau’s main company) has publicly said it’s open to talks with the complainants, so it might be better for all if those wanting to punish Rayneau instead try to talk first before throwing stones…
Saint Lucia needs all the quarry materials it can get for construction right now, so it would not be wise to stop a new quarry from coming into operation without knowing anything about it, just because a current operator has a long track record of its own.
It doesn’t make sense or sound fair to me.
(Jonas James)
Laborian by birth