Treasure dig in the Morne Seychellois national park puts MoE at odd with State House
The new Minister of Environment, Dr Rolph Payet, has ordered an immediate stop to the treasure digging operation in the Morne Seychellois national park in an area of Bel Ombre known as Cap Vert.
The operation has been going on during the last three years and the excavating team wanted to extend their permission to continue with the digging.
Following a visit to the area recently where he witnessed firsthand the extent of the damage to the ecosystem, Dr Payet ordered an immediate stop to the operation. The move is likely to put the Ministry of Environment at odds with State House, which until recently was pressuring the ministry official to okay the operation.
It will be recalled that in September 2009, the police launched an investigation into fresh pits dug at Mare aux Cochons in the Morne Seychellois National Park.
The legal officer for the Ministry of Environment then confirmed that nobody has asked for or been given permission to dig in the park. Several holes measuring four feet both in diameter and depth were discovered around certain caves in the park where there are unique markings; prompting suggestions that this was an illegal dig for treasure.
“By carrying out rock blasting the water table in the area is seriously being affected. So let’s see what will happen next. Will State House bypass the Ministry of Environment and grant this woman permission to carry on digging for treasure,” says a ministry staff.
LSH is still waiting for further details from the Ministry on the issue following our initial query on the issue four days before going to press.
The situation underlines the ongoing fascination with pirates and looted treasures.
Source: Le Seychellois Hebdo 5-18-12