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Serious and continued beach erosion remains a major village level concern in Monkey River in the Toledo District. Correspondent Paul Mahung reports.

PAUL MAHUNG

"A serious situation of more buildings in danger of destruction from erosion is facing villagers as explained by village council chairman Ivan Williams."

IVAN WILLIAMS

"We've been affected by an erosion problem for the past year. Four houses have already moved and more are yet to go. About seven houses are left to go so we want some help if you could give us some help we would appreciate it. Government give us some help."

PAUL MAHUNG

"Chairman Williams commented that in addition to effects of climate change there are other factors contributing to ongoing coastal erosion affecting the village coastline."

IVAN WILLIAMS

"What I believe is affecting erosion is I guess maybe is the farmers because the farmers have a lot to do with it because what they did was that they dug some big drains and when they dug those the dug the drains as big as the river so when the drain is as big as the river it slowed down the current so the sand really can't come down but if that doesn't happen the sand stays there and it just gets everywhere shallow the whole river is getting shallow; even the boats have to be careful how they get into the river because of that. So I believe the farmers, the banana farmers, the citrus farmers they have to look into it as well so that they can give us the help, we need the help and if we don't get it we will be in problems. This is a tourist destination, we have tourists from all over the world coming to Monkey River and they themselves find problems with this so even if they could give us help with that we would appreciate it."

PAUL MAHUNG

"Williams noted that in addition to several houses previously destroyed due to erosion the original front street of the village had also been washed away. Inhabitants of the coastal community of Monkey River cherish their home village tremendously but are very concerned and worried about the continued erosion crisis affecting the entire village coast line and daily threat of losing more homes and coastal landmass. The village leaders and inhabitants echoed the urgent need for continued assistance to combat the major erosion problem affecting their lives and property in the community."

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