KINGSTON, Jamaica — With the Government increasingly optimistic that oil will be found in Jamaica’s waters in commercial quantities, Opposition Spokesman on the Environment and Climate Resilience, Omar Newell, is calling for clarity from the administration in relation to the environmental safeguards that will be implemented.

Newell had several questions for the Government on Wednesday as he made his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives.

He asked: “What is the Government’s environmental position regarding offshore oil exploration? What marine risk framework exists? What spill response capacity exists or will be built? What environmental liability regime exists? What protections exist for fisheries and tourism? What consultation has occurred with coastal communities? What insurance requirements would apply? What independent scientific assessments have been completed?”