British Virgin Islands Heritage Conservation Group

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR- BEACON July 27, 2008

I was impressed to read recently that the Virgin Islands Environmental Council (VIEC) delivered a purported 18,000 signatures and 3600 comments to the Premier concerning the protection of the Hans Creek and Beef Island ecosystems. But I haven’t heard much beyond that. What I have found out is that copies of the notebook entitled in part, “Letter to Rt. Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal”, were also distributed to the Governor and several departments including Labour and Natural Resources, Tourist Board, National Parks Trust, Conservation and Fisheries, and most importantly- to the Public Library- where I read it.

Previous locally signed petitions calling for mangrove preservation, environmental law enforcement, and eco-tourism in the face of a proposed 5-star hotel, mega-yacht marina and golf course on Beef Island are also included in this report. Last year, the VIEC called for a review of this development which, it contends, violates both the Fisheries Regulations and Planning Act and is now in court.

Prompted by the case, these signatures were gathered by e-mail world-wide in partnership with Ocean River Institute from Massachusetts, a well-known organization directed by a PhD Marine Biologist with an international reputation for helping small non-profit groups speak out. Results reveal that the VIEC effort is precedent-setting, that indeed, the world is watching this case reflected in the locations and opinions of residents, environmental scientists, teachers, long-standing visitors and repeat tourists calling for environmental legislation to be upheld and nature to be preserved for future generations.

The detrimental effects of golf course, building and boat pollution prompted the bigger picture of how the loss of natural habitats at a fast pace is contributing to global warming, and that once nature is destroyed it can never be replaced. The BVI has some of the last pristine ecosystems, tying the world together by migrating birds and fish hatcheries, and in turn, local fishermen, divers and sailors. The harm to the environment far outweighs the perceived benefits of this resort. One only has to look at Scrub Island for its violations and labour problems.

The VIEC must be commended at this great achievement in drawing attention to the BVI and its growing pains. It is not an unusual situation judging by the plights of other over-developed island nations. But the government’s decision will call attention to whether the BVI is a leader in environmental preservation or not. I also think that perhaps the Tourist Board should thank the Council for free publicity, most of which draws attention to the territory’s natural beauty and peaceful environment. It is not too late to make the BVI a world class destination of eco- tourism.

Susan Waters, West End

Friday 27th, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE from the Virgin Islands Environmental Council.

DRAMATIC CLOSE TO BVI ENVIRONMENTAL MONTH

18,000 signatures and 3600 comments from around the world presented in support of British Virgin Islands!

In an astonishing show of support 600 pages long and 4 inches thick, citizens from not only the BVI but around the world expressed outrage and concern over the development of Beef Island. Spearheaded by the Virgin Islands Environmental Council (VIEC) with the help of Ocean River Institute (ORI- www.oceanriver.org), this letter of concern has now focused international attention on the VIEC’s attempt to have the Virgin Islands Fisheries Act enforced regarding the Hans Creek fisheries protected area as well as the protection of the fragile and pristine ecosystem of Beef Island which has global ramifications.

Dr. Quincy Lettsome holding the Book of letter signatures

The theme of most of the comments was the need to protect untouched areas for future generations while still others shared experiences, warnings and consequences of unsustainable development including the harmful effects of marinas and golf courses on reef and mangrove systems. Many other calls were for eco-tourism as a potential economy, after all, the BVI continues to garner awards for its nature and peacefulness.

This was born out by comments from 46 United States including Virginia: “You can build other 5-star hotels and golf courses. You can’t build other natural eco-systems”. From California: “Golf courses and Marinas are the two most polluting activities you can subject to land and sea!”. Nevada cautions the development “for fear it is going the way of St. Thomas”.

Even more impressive was the International Community Members representing most European Countries along with Peru, Venezuela, Mexico, Canada, Australia, and Egypt! From our own Caribbean Basin, Island countries such as Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Bermuda, Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and the USVI express warnings at what happens with too much development. The general thread was that the natural beauty of the Caribbean is what attracts most people. One long time visitor stated “Money is temporary. Extinction is forever.”

Finally, from Virgin Gorda, comes “We were given the name “Nature’s Little Secrets” for a reason. We are tampering with the environment to the detriment of future generations”.

Full copies of the VIEC letter, along with supporting facts and comments have been delivered to Premier O’Neal, Governor Pearey’s office, Labor and Natural Resources, Conservation and Fisheries, National Park Trust, The Tourist Board and the public Library.

On Thursday, July 10th, the program “UMOJA”, Radio station ZBVI 780 AM, 8:00-9:30, will discuss with Dr. Quincy Lettsome how far the VIEC court case has come and the World Importance of it being the first time a group has brought such a law suit against the government for violation of Environmental Laws in the Caribbean.

For more information please contact:

Dr. Quincy Lettsome, Co-director, Virgin Islands Environmental Council

284-494-5981, e-mailL drqlettsome@hotmail.com

Or Sheila Callwood-Schulterbrandt, President at 544-3869

Press release by webmaster@bvihcg.com

Link to Presentation Letter

Link to Cover Letter of Press Release

Link to Selected Comments

Link to 300 pages of comments!

Two fledgling groups (VIEC and ORI) and a coalition of local groups raise awareness here and far away of the plight of Beef Island BVI.

This is very exciting news for us at BVIHCG and the VIEC! The Ocean River Institute, is first to practice environmental subsidiarity in collaboration with others, to assist groups closest to wildlife and natural areas, to educate more widely, and to advance ecosystem-based adaptive management with greater public participation.

The Ocean River Institute a new environmental organization based in Massachusetts is taking the lead at using its communities and connections to raise thousands of individuals concerned with the fate of Beef Island. 8,000 people of Tortola, BVI; Boston Massachusetts, and beyond are concerned with how the Premier is deciding for Beef Island mangroves, salt pond, Hans Creek and coral reef habitats for wildlife and tourists. Ocean River Institute is facilitating the VIEC's collection of signed letters to Premier O'Neal. Have you signed your letter yet today by going here?