Omar Newell, the Opposition Spokesperson on Environment and Climate Resilience, has welcomed the recent ruling by Jamaica's Constitutional Court. The court declared the 2020 environmental permit for a limestone mining project in the Dry Harbour Mountains unconstitutional. Newell hailed this as a historic victory for the residents of St Ann and all Jamaicans who believe in protecting the environment. He noted that this is the first time the environmental rights provision within Jamaica’s Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms has been adjudicated by the courts. The People’s National Party (PNP) had consistently opposed the project, warning of threats to the ecologically sensitive landscape. Newell stated that the ruling affirms the constitutional right to a healthy environment and highlights the need for stronger environmental oversight. He emphasized the importance of an independent environmental protection agency to make evidence-based decisions. The ruling exposed the need for credible institutions to protect natural resources for future generations.