The Roads, Buildings and General Services Authority (BRAGSA) has successfully capitalized on an initial sale of harvested volcanic sand to the island of Canouan, generating approximately $3.8 million in revenue. This financial milestone stems from BRAGSA’s ongoing sand extraction operations in the Roseau River Valley, which repurposes materials left behind by the 2021 La Soufrière volcanic eruptions.
The multimillion-dollar transaction provided immediate and essential cash flow for the agency. Head of BRAGSA Kem Bartholomew says the statutory body did not initially have the independent resources required to buy the heavy machinery necessary for a large-scale extraction operation. However, the substantial deposits from the Canouan sale empowered the agency to purchase critical equipment, including a front-end loader and a mechanical sifter, to sustain and expand their efforts.
This lucrative sale was fast-tracked as part of BRAGSA’s five-year strategic plan leading up to 2025. The plan focuses on identifying investment opportunities that will significantly contribute to the agency’s revenue streams and ensure its long-term financial sustainability.
“Due to the remote location of the Roseau River Valley site, the harvested sand is primarily exported by barge. This logistical approach provides an excellent opportunity to supply high-quality construction materials to the Grenadine Islands including Canouan, Union Island, and Bequia as well as to Kingstown on the mainland”, Bartholomew noted.
Beyond boosting BRAGSA’s internal revenue, the operation promises wider economic benefits. The steady supply of sand is projected to reduce the overall cost of materials in the Grenadines, an area historically at a disadvantage regarding material access.
BRAGSA has formally committed to partnering with local representatives and the people of North Leeward to identify and fund community development projects.
” By responsibly utilizing the natural materials inherited from the La Soufrière eruptions, BRAGSA intends to use the profits from sales like the $3.8 million Canouan deal to help transform the North Leeward community and contribute significantly to national development”, Bartholomew said.